The good New Zealand mare Quintessential worked up early from her wide barrier (13) to race outside the leader (Topping) from the 1600m. She got to the lead passing the 300m and fought back gamely, running the 2100m out strongly, winning very well after her early work to win by a half-length. Rothera was a distant tenth on the rails and under pressure at the 600m. He got a split at the 300m, improved to fourth at the 200m and ran on well for a sound second. Sysmo was seventh on the rails, got a nice run though at the turn to be third on straightening. He challenged at the 200m then battled on for third after appearing to have every chance. Topping led the field most of the way to the 400m and battled on quite well to hold fourth, beaten just under fourth lengths at the post. *ANZ