War began well and showed good pace to take the lead. He travelled along well in front, grabbed a break passing the 200m and fought back gamely to score nicely by three quarters of a length. It was a good win. Promising staying colt Drago settled near last, three wide with cover. He moved up well rounding the home turn, showed a good turn of foot from the 200m and kept running on strongly for an impressive first-up second. It was a very good run and he looks on track for the Victoria Derby (Gr 1, 2500m). Vilanova was a handy third on the rails to the 600m and then got a nice inside run on straightening. He kept fighting on quite well for a sound first-up third but he appeared to have every chance. Pitcrew was slow to move and was last early on. He was seventh on the rails at the 600m, got an inside run at the turn and held on fairly well for fourth after seeming to have his chance in the straight. Dowdstown Charlie was near last early and dropped back to last, under pressure, at the 600m. He switched wide at the 250m and caught the eye running on late for fifth. He seems suited to further and is quite promising. Fuerza was trapped three wide without cover in about fourth place to the turn. He then battled on in the straight for sixth. *ANZ