Team Hawkes-trained gelding Kingsguard broke through for his first win since August last year in scoring here. Having his sixth run this preparation, he enjoyed a good trip behind the leader (Ecuador), moved up nearing the home turn, got to the front at the 200m and then battled on to win well. Ecuador went to the front as expected, set a reasonable early pace, picked up the tempo from the 600m and kept fighting on nicely under his 59kg for a second (conceding 6kg to the winner). McCreery travelled well in fourth place on the rails, got along the inner on straightening and then battled on quite well to take third after appearing to have had every chance, while the favourite Duca Valentinois raced in seventh place, one off the rails, improved (deep) rounding the home turn and kept steadily making ground, without threatening for (1.8 lengths) fourth.