Countryman began well and settled in third spot on the rails, following a moderate early pace. He was urged to improve coming to the turn and grabbed a clear lead passing the 200m. He then fought back gamely to win nicely by a short neck, his first win after being placed at his first three starts. Citations was about sixth between runners to the 600m. He got a good run through at the home turn to be third on straightening. He challenged strongly at the 100m but was held by the winner, fighting on for a good second. Rock Hero was well placed but three wide without cover and he held on quite well for third. *ANZ