The Gerald Ryan-trained colt Trapeze Artist was a surprise $31 winner but he was still quite impressive. Racing in blinkers for the first time, he was smartly away from his wide barrier (10) and worked before crossing to settle outside the leader (Excelsior). He raced to the front at the 200m and was not troubled from that point to win impressively. Godolphin’s Trekking, who was having his first turn since his debut win in a 2YO Open (1100m) at Rosehill on 3 December, settled in seventh place, one off the rails, commenced a move (wide out) at the 200m and did well in running on late for second. Muraaqeb raced in sixth place, three wide with cover, before moving up well (still deep) nearing the home turn. He put a good run at the 200m and then kept battling on nicely to a sound third at only his second race start. Marsupial had a nice trip in third place on the rails from his inside barrier (1). He went through to challenge at the 200m and then kept battling on to hold (3.8 lengths) fourth after seeming to have every chance. The favourite Chauffeur was slowly away and after being well back early on, recovered to be fifth on the rails, going a bit keenly due to the moderate early pace (first 600m 36.52. Craig Williams angled him between runners at the 600m, got him into clear running at the 300m but Chauffeur failed to make any ground in the sprint home to finish (4.2 lengths) fifth.