The $31 outsider Awesome Rock was a surprise winner, but it was a smart effort, nevertheless. He drifted back from his good barrier (2) and settled near last in the 14-horse field before progressing along the rails to be third at the home turn. He took the lead at the 100m and then drew clear to score decisively. Real Love settled in second last place, tracked the eventual winner (Awesome Rock) along the rails from the 700m, she was sixth at the home turn and then ran on nicely for a good first up second. Set Square settled back in ninth place, wide with cover, before improving (deep and under riding) from the 500m. She then continued to run on in good style for a good third in a solid staying effort at her second run this preparation. Tosen Stardom settled back in ninth place, between runners, and was held up badly for clear running until he got clear nearing the 100m. He then finished well for an unlucky (2.9 lengths) fourth in a very promising first-up run. The Cleaner worked in the early stages from his wide barrier (11) before crossing to his favoured position in the lead. He then set a solid pace, held a good break nearing the home turn and only weakened late for (3.3 lengths) fifth. It was a bold run at his second run this preparation. The United States settled towards the tail of the field. He was held up between runners from the 600m, was checked at the home turn, switched deep on straightening and finished very well late for (3.8 lengths) eighth in an unlucky and promising first up run. Jameka was trapped wide out from her difficult barrier (12), was very deep at the home turn and held on well after a hard run for (3.9 lengths) seventh. Jacquinot Bay raced in about eighth place, between runners, and failed to get clear running before finishing (4.4 lengths) eighth, while Mahuta (12th) and Miss Rose De Lago (last) both weakened after working on the pace in the early stages.