The lightly raced six-year-old Mourinho went forward from his outside barrier (12) and after working in the early stages and finally crossed to the lead nearing the 1400m point. He then travelled along well in front before picking up the tempo approaching the turn. He fought back gamely in the straight after his early efforts to score a gutsy win, putting up a good staying effort. The import Gris Caro raced in sixth place one off the rails before improving wide with cover coming to the home turn. He challenged on straightening and fought on strongly for a good second. The Great Snowman showed pace from a wide barrier then eased to get a good trip in fourth spot, one out and one back. He came up three wide nearing the turn and then held on for a sound third. Top weight (59kg) Mr Moet was eased to race in ninth place one off the rails. He was urged to improve passing the 600m and looked to be struggling in the conditions at the turn before plugging on fairly well in the straight for fourth. The favourite Lightinthenite was midfield to the 600m but was under pressure soon afterwards and disappointed tiring to finish eighth. *ANZ