Coming off a narrow and hard fought second in the Victoria Derby Trial (1800m) at his last start, Main Stage clearly outstayed his rivals here, finishing very well for win two from five starts. Jumping with them, jockey Michael Walker then quickly eased him back to settle last in a strung out field. Still last at the 550m, Walker eased away from the fence and was widest into the straight passing the 400m. With a storming run out in the centre of the track Main Stage relentlessly went after the breakaway leader, finally gathering him in at the 50m to win going away - a strong Derby trial. Cliff's Edge nearly stole the race, leading soon after the start and skipping clear after straightening. He looked the winner at the 100m but was run down late for a tough second. Johnny Vinko was midfield (rails) at the 550m, remained next to the fence down the straight, finishing best of the rest, doing his best work late, for a solid third.