El Roca scored a strong first up win proving he will be a leading contender for the three-year-old races over the autumn carnival. Given a lovely ride by Hugh Bowman, El Roca settled down in third one off the fence. He cornered three and four wide, loomed up on straightening and then powered away to a comfortable two length victory coasting to the line. He settled nicely in the run and showed a good turn of foot. He should come on for the run and a step up in trip, an exciting colt. Dissident was good in defeat. He raced in fourth position trailing El Roca. Cassidy was niggling at him from the 600m and he took him to the outside on cornering. He battled on gamely for second despite laying in under pressure. He was a little rusty today first up from a spell, he should come on for the run and a step up in distance. Romantic Touch, under top weight of 60kg, worked home very nicely from last and widest on the home turn for a good third. He appears to have returned in good order and should be followed based on this very good first up run. *ANZ