Sidestep put up a smart effort to win in the last few strides. He was a bit slowly away and settled second last in the 11-horse field. He improved nicely between runners nearing the home turn but was blocked on turning for home. He got a split at the 200m and then finished very well to grab an impressive late-closing win scoring by a short neck at the post. The classy NZ filly Bounding showed good early pace and soon crossed to the lead. She looked the winner when she dashed clear at the 200m and was only run down in the last few strides for (short neck) second, putting up a smart effort at her Australian debut. In Cahoots was sixth, between runners, switched across heels on turning for home and battled on well for a good third. Thump was fourth, one out and one back before improving (three wide) approaching the home turn. She looked a threat at the 300m and then kept fighting on for (2.9 lengths) fourth. Dothraki was outside the leader to the turn, challenged strongly at the 300m but then tired for (3.5 lengths) fifth, after running a bold race. Havana was last to the turn and ran on soundly along the rails for (3.7 lengths) sixth, looking suited to further. *ANZ