Tessera was the fastest away from the barriers and was used up to hold the fence. He travelled well in front gaining a mid race breather in the six-horse field. He was one of the first to come under pressure on straightening but he saw off the challenges before being headed inside the final 200m by Defcon but Tessera refused to be denied and kicked strongly to win drawing away. A most determined victory. Defcon was taken back from the barriers and settled down in last position three wide. He took the home turn on the outside of the field and quickened up impressively, hitting the front inside the final 200m. He justifiably tired in the closing stages and was unable to repel the renewed challenge of the winner on his inside. A good debut run especially considering the less than ideal trip he endured in the run. Mount Panorama raced in third position three wide facing the breeze. He was a little green around the home turn and could not match the turn of foot of Defcon at the top of the straight. He battled on gamely for third. A sound effort. Star Of Monsoon lacked a bit of early speed and settled down second last on the fence. He made ground mid race to be on the back of the leader on turning for home and battled on gamely for fourth in a sound debut.