Talented filly Estijaab, the $1.40 favourite had quite a battle on her hands before prevailing narrowly. She was really smartly away and went to the front from her good barrier (2) and travelled along well but at quite a quick pace (first 600m 34.88). She was challenged strongly in the straight and kept lifting well, holding on to score by a long neck and in smart time (1:09.10). Pure Elation raced in fifth place on the rails, got along the inner to the third on straightening. She continued along the rails over the closing stages, fighting on well for second. The Anthony and Edward Cummings-trained filly Sister Sledge made a surprisingly impressive debut. Starting at odds of $81, she was smartly away and then raced outside the leader and eventual winner (Estijaab). She challenged strongly at the 200m and then fought gamely for a close up third in a very promising performance. Gongs raced in seventh place, one off the rails, put in a wide move on turning for home and kept running on well for a close up fourth, beaten less than a length.