Happy Clapper staged a very good first-up performance in winning here. He settled nicely back in fifth place on the rails from his good barrier (2), before improving nicely, between runners, nearing the home turn. He put in a strong run from the 300m, took the lead at the 50m and then went on to score impressively. It was also a good ride by Josh Adams. Tom Melbourne was sixth early on (but caught deep) before moving up to fourth (still wide) at the 600m. He sprinted quickly to take the lead at the 200m and then fourth on well for second. Invincible Gem had a good trip behind the leader (Ecuador) but was held up for a run on straightening before getting a split at the 200m and then fought on for a sound third. The favourite Ecuador went to the front as expected, set a reasonable tempo (first 800m in 47.92) but was overtaken at the 200m before finishing (2.3 lengths) fourth.