The Peter Moody-trained Mulaazem capped a quick progression through the classes, following a win at Cranbourne over 1400m on 18 January, by taking out this Group Two event defeating the pair that fought out the Victoria Derby (Gr 1, 2500m). He began quickly and went straight to the lead. After covering the first 800m in moderate 48.97, the half brother to four times Group One winner Sepoy, sprinted nicely from the 600m (34.69) fighting back to win well by a short neck. The Derby winner Fiveandahalfstar raced at the girth of the winner to the turn, fighting back gamely when the winner sprinted, failing by only a half neck at the post in a very good first-up run. Super Cool travelled along nicely in about seventh place one off the rails before switching to the rails and the 200m and running on nicely for a sound first-up third. Knoydart, who was also facing a quick rise in class, was caught three wide without cover in about fifth place, before moving up wide rounding the home tune. He put in a run to get to third at the 100m, just missing the minor placing in a photo, putting up a strong effort considering the rise in class and his wide trip. Red Inca came from eighth at the 600m and kept running on, making up ground well for fifth in the sprint home. The staying-bred High Shot, having only his second run, missed the start and made ground from the tail of the field for sixth, being better suited to longer distances and a more genuine pace. *ANZ