Eximius was a little slow to move from his wide barrier (13) and was last early before improving wide from the 1200m point to be midfield at the 800m. He moved up wide nearing the home turn and straightened about fifth in the centre of the track. He put in a quick run to take the lead at the 100m and then drew clear for an impressive win. Lucky Hussler ($2.60 favourite) raced midfield and wide after staring from his difficult barrier (14). He moved up (still wide) at the 800m, turned for home in third place, took a narrow lead at the 200m and fought on well for a good second. The filly Casino Card was eighth between runners to the home turn, improved to fifth at the 200m and kept running on nicely for third, beaten length and quarter. Luke’s Luck was well back to the 600m, went to the centre of the track on straightening and kept making ground in the heavy going for a good fourth, beaten just under two lengths. *ANZ