The favourite Floria was perfectly ridden by replacement rider Craig Newitt. He settled the mare in a nice spot, seventh one off the rails. The pace steadied (first 1000m 61.71) and she then raced a little keenly before he pushed into the clear rounding the home turn. She sprinted quickly, grabbed the lead at the 200m and went on to win nicely by just under a length. Hi Belle was back in tenth place, between runners, to the 600m. Craig Williams steered into a nice spot on turning for home, she switched across heels at the 200m and then battled on well for a good second. Wistful worked across from her outside barrier but was trapped three wide in about fourth place. She challenged (still three wide) rounding the turn and fought on for a gusty third after a difficult trip. *ANZ