Dowdstown Charlie settled last in the 12-horse field before tracking up behind runners rounding the home turn. He switched out at the 200m, where he was still about seventh, then came with a late bid to grab a good long head win, being suited by a fast early pace (leaders running first 600m 34.43). Highly consistent filly Everage was smartly away and eased to race in sixth place one off the rails. She got a split mid-stretch and took the lead at the 200m, only caught in the last few strides for very good second. First starter Koroibete was near last before being shuffled back to last at the home turn. He got a run in the centre at the 300m and then kept running on well for a promising third. The favourite Bernabeu ($2.80), also having his first start, began well but was trapped wide and then eased and race midfield (three wide with cover) to the turn. He put in a run to challenge at the 200m, getting to second at the 100m before tiring a bit for fourth, beaten just over two lengths in a sound debut. *ANZ