After racing consistently in lower classes with eight wins and eight placings from 25 starts, six-year-old entire Gracida broke through for his first stakes success here. He was smartly away and raced in second place, behind the free-running leader (Spurcraft) at a strong pace. He was under pressure at the home turn but kept responding to Jeff Lloyd's riding and rallied in the closing stages to win well. The favourite Spurcraft showed great early pace to lead and then ran along at a solid pace. He held a clear advantage on straightening and only tired in the latter stages for (half neck) second after running a bold race. Tiyatrolani raced in back in third place, chasing the fast pace and kept fighting on well to hold the minor placing.