Automatic Choice ($67) was a surprise winner, but it was very smart effort, nevertheless. He was seventh in the early stages but improved quickly as the pace slackened and settled nicely outside the leader (Ayda). He moved up coming to the home turn, got to the front at the 300m and then fought off several challengers over the final stages to score a narrow but game win, running the 1600m out well. Favourite El Greco began quite well but was crowded shortly after the start and was shuffled back to settle in ninth place. He improved behind a packing field rounding the home turn, got into clear running at the 300m and put in a good run to challenge at the 100m. He then kept fighting gamely for an unlucky second. Flying Light settled back in last place in the 13-horse field. He fanned wide (with cover) at the home turn, put in a strong run in the centre of the course from the 300m and kept finishing well for a close-up third, running the 1600m out well. It was a most promising effort from a horse that is still a maiden after three starts. Bengal Cat began quickly and crossed from her outside barrier (13) to take the lead before easing to enjoy a good trip in fifth place on the rails. She stuck to the rails and got an inside run to challenge at the 200m before battling on for a sound (1.3 lengths) fourth. South Australian-trained Royal Rumble was near the tail of the field and made good late ground for (2.1 lengths) fifth.