Paximadia began smartly and went straight to the lead. Kerrin McEvoy then steadied the pace (first 1000m 63.67) before lifting the tempo on passing the 600 metre point. The Darley-raced colt then ran on gamely and stalled off challengers to score nicely by a long neck, dashing home his final 600 metres in a smart 34.04. The favourite Hucklebuck raced in sixth place one off the rails, travelling nicely despite the moderate early pace, to the 600 metre point. He switched out at the 400 metre marker and then ran on very well in the sprint home, running his final 600 metres in a fast 33.57, to get to within a long neck of the winner at the post. It was a good effort under the circumstances of the race. Equator had a good trip in fourth spot, one out and one back, he moved up at the 400m and then battled on quite well for third. Best Case was second last place in the eight-horse field to the home turn. He then made ground in the sprint home for a sound fourth. *ANZ