The Tony Vasil-trained three-year-old Liberty Leader ($7.10) proved too good, racing away to score by almost two lengths. He settled in a good spot, seventh one off the rails, before making a run from the 800m when the pace slackened. He moved up strongly to challenge rounding the home turn and proved the superior stayer, drawing away for an impressive win. The short-priced favourite, the Darren Weir-trained Rainbow Storm ($1.40) led the field until half-way down the straight but was outstayed by the winner and battled on to take second, beaten a length and three quarters. Varian was tenth to the 800m, fanned wide nearing the turn and ran on to take third. The recent Hobart Guineas (Listed, 2100m) Moonless was midfield before making a wide run from the 700m, getting to fifth at the turn before fighting on to finish fourth, beaten five and a half lengths. *ANZ