The well supported NZ mare Atacama began well and then eased to settle in an ideal position, fourth on the rails. She improved between runners on straightening, put in her run on passing the 200m and then finished a bit too well to score in a photo after a perfect ride by James McDonald. Sysmo travelled nicely, seventh on the rails, stuck to the inside at the turn and got along the rails in the straight to hit the lead at the 100m. But he was then caught right on the post to finish second. Pheidon raced outside the leader (Admire Inazuma) to the turn, went to the front at the 300m and fought back well for a close-up third, putting up a game effort. Tuscan Fire travelled well in sixth place, one off the rails, moved up rounding the home turn and then put in a quick run to take the lead at the 200m. He then weakened on that effort to finish (length) fourth, still putting up a nice run at his second start this preparation. The second favourite Stipulate drifted a fair way back in the early stages and raced in 12th place most of the way to the turn. He got into the clear at the 300m and then ran on fairly well under his top weight (60kg), in the sprint home, to finish (3.5 lengths) seventh.