Hard Stride was smartly away today for Craig Williams and went straight to the lead. He settled nicely in front and was able to set an average tempo (first 600m 35.44) before dashing clear on passing the 300m. He then went on to score in good style by two lengths, sprinting home in a smart 34.26 for his final 600m. The favourite Moment Of Change had a good trip in fourth place, one out and one back, before improving nicely nearing the home turn. He went to second at the 200m and kept battling on well under his big weight (62kg) for a sound second. Club Command was sixth, one off the rails, before improving three wide with cover rounding the home turn. He took a while to wind up in the sprint home and then battled on quite well to grab third nearing the post. Thiamandi had a good run, third on the rails, before switching across heels and into clear running on the home turn. She got to third at the 100m and just missed that placing in the last few strides to finish fourth after appearing to have every chance. *ANZ