Outback Barbie dwelt slightly but recovered to settle fourth (one out) at the 1000m, maintained her spot to the last corner then pulled out three wide to challenge once straightened. Rider Jim Byrne waited until the 200m before asking the question and she eased clear and looked an easy winner but had to withstand a late charge, having enough in reserve to win fairly handily on debut. Granny Red Shoes was midfi eld near the last corner, moved out into the clear but was hampered for a few strides then rallied to run home strongly for a nice second. Witherspoon tracked the winner into the straight, had a great view yet got tangled with Granny Red Shoes and then kept on steadily for third.