A good ride by Simon Price made the difference here with Distillation holding on by a narrow margin to defeat Base. Distillation was trapped three wide the first time out of the home straight and Price elected to allow his mount to stride up and take the lead at the 1800m. He was soon joined by Waltzing To Win who made a similar move from last to race on his quarters. The tempo in the mid stages of the race was even but quickened up sharply at the 700m when a number of runners made forward moves from the rear of the field including the eventual runner up Base. On turning for home Distillation still held the lead and battled on gamely the whole way down the straight to score a good victory. Base sustained a long run from the 800m and cornered three wide contesting the lead on corning, he battled on gamely but just could not get by the winner. Waltzing To Win tired a little in the straight but held on for third. *ANZ