Himation had a good trip, fourth just behind the leaders to the 600m. He got a split at the home turn, took the lead nearing the 100m and battled on to win by half-length in the Heavy8 conditions to record his first win in four starts. The Joe Pride-trained colt Rock Sturdy was one of the leading trio to the turn, took a narrow lead at the 200m but raced a bit greenly, drifting a little wide and did well for second on debut. *ANZ