Appearance was nicely away but was ridden quietly and settled back in eighth place, one off the rails, following a solid tempo (first 600m 34.71). She was giving the leader about eight lengths approaching the turn but good in a strong finishing run from the 200m and drew clear for a decisive first-up win. She is a high class mare and has obviously retuned to excellent order. The outsider River Lad ($41) was second to the turn, following the speedy Rain Affair. He went to the lead at the 200m but could not hold off the late bid of the winner, holding on for a surprisingly good second. Sizzling was seventh, one off the rails, at the 600m. He put in a run passing the 300m and kept making ground for a sound first-up third. Pinwheel was a handy to the turn and held on fairly well for fourth. The favourite Boban ($2.40) was near last on the rails to the home turn. He was blocked at the 300m, got into the clear at the 200m and then ran on fairly well for fifth, beaten three lengths in a disappointing first-up effort after winning all five starts last preparation. Carlton House was tenth to the turn and only battled on in the straight for a disappointing first-up ninth. Rain Affair showed his customary pace, leading to the 200m before fading to finish last. *ANZ