The speedy Octavia went straight to the lead. She was then able to steady the pace and managed to get away with the first 600m in only 37.22. She increased the tempo on straightening, grabbed a break at the 200m and fought back to win nicely by a length (sprinting home last 600m in 34.73). A Time for Julia raced in eighth place one off the rails to the 600m. She improved (wide out) rounding the home turn, put in a good run passing the 200m and got to second at the 100m. She continued to make ground, in the sprint home, for a good (long neck) second. Oriental Ruby was near the rear on the rails to the 600m. She got a good inside run rounding the home turn, went to fourth at the 200m and then battled on for a sound third. Bonaria was seventh on the rails to the 600m before easing out on straightening. She got through in the centre at the 200m and kept making ground to finish fourth (beaten just under a length). Lady Melksham was third on the rails to the turn, she went to second at the 200m then held on for fifth after seeming to have every chance. kneeling was last to the turn and caught the eye with a late-closing sixth. Oasis Bloom was handy all the way before finishing seventh while the well supported you’re So Good ($4.80) was midfield, one off the rails, to the 600m. She moved up (four wide) at the turn but disappointed in the straight to finish (three and half lengths) eighth. *ANZ