In an exciting finish where the first five horses finished within a length, the Australian-bred Vow And Declare scored a game victory in a solid staying performance. Having his first run since his good second in the Caulfield Cup (Gr 1, 2400m), he began well from his difficult barrier (21) and Craig Williams elected to go forward, gradually crossing to the front before settling in an ideal spot, third on the rails. He went through on the rails to challenge on turning for home and then dug deep in the closing stages to score by a head. Prince Of Arran raced in fifth place, got into clear running on straightening, went to third at the 300m and kept fighting really well for a close third but was promoted to second after a successful protest (fourth v second). Il Paradiso settled near last after being slowly away from his wide barrier (17) and was 21st nearing the home turn. He improved closer to the rails on straightening, took a split at the 200m, went to fourth shortly afterwards and continued that run in very restricted room in the latter stages to be fourth past the post. It was a very good performance, deserving of better luck. He was promoted to third, following a successful protest. Master Of Reality raced outside the leader (Twilight Payment) going at a steady tempo. He took the lead at the home turn and was then fighting back gamely before ducking in the latter stages. He was second past the post but was relegated to fourth after a protest. Surprise Baby settled in 19th place, tracked up (wide with cover) at the home turn, and kept running on strongly, widest of all, to finish (0.9 lengths) fifth in a very good performance. Mer De Glace was slowly away and settled in 13th place, improved (deep) between runners at the home turn, finally got into clear running at the 200m and then ran on really well for (1.2 lengths) sixth. Finche settled in a good spot, eighth (one off the rails) before improving (wide) from the 800m. He was in a challenging position on straightening and then kept battling on well for (1.4 lengths) seventh. Last year's winner Cross Counter settled in 14th place, improved between runners at the 600m, got a split at the 300m and kept running on strongly under his top weight (57.5kg) for (1.6 lengths) eighth.