Well-bred colt Monteux made a very promising debut. He was a shade slowly away and then improved quickly to settle in seventh place, following a good tempo. He was giving the leader about five lengths as he switched deep on turning for home. He then put in a good run, hit the lead on passing the 100m and dashed clear nearing the post to win by half a length. The favourite Royal Ocean was eased from her outside barrier (12) and settled well back in second last place. She was conceding at least eight lengths to the leader as she looked for an inside run approaching the turn but she saved valuable ground on the inside, going quickly through to challenge at the 200m. She hit the lead shortly after and was only overhauled in the closing stages for a sound second. Faith And Fury was eighth before moving up deep at the 600m. He challenged coming to the 200m and then fought on for a good third, beaten a length and a quarter. *ANZ