Earnest Desire, having his second race start, was eased to follow a fast early pace and moved through to fourth on the rails at the 600m. He got a split at the 200m, took the lead shortly afterwards and fought back for a narrow but good win. Flak Jacket was last in the nine-horse field to the turn. He stuck to the rails on straightening, got clear at the 100m and finished well for a close second. The Darley-runner Engagement was about sixth but trapped three wide nearing the 600m. She challenged at the 200m and then battled on fairly well to just take third place. *ANZ