The British-bred mare Noble Protector scored a most impressive win, her first this preparation and her first in three Australian starts. She settled well outside the leader, sprinted to the front at the 300m and then raced away to win by four and a halflengths, in quick time (1:34.76). She looks a very smart mare with a bright future in this country. Marianne was eighth, between runners. She eased out nicely at the 400m, went to third at the 200m and then fought on well for second. Set Square was eased from her wide barrier (11) and settled near the tail of the field. She improved (wide with cover) from the 700m, put in a run and went to fourth at the 200m. She then battled on well for third (a short-head behind the second-placed horse) going well at her second run since winning the VRC Oaks (Gr 1, 2500m) in November. Fenway settled near last on the rails, was held for a run on turning for home, switched across heels at the 200m and made ground for good fourth.