Pounamu, a first up winner of the Asian Beau Stakes (Gr 3, 1400m) here on 4 November, stepped up two runs later to register his first Group One victory in 37 starts here. He settled back in second last place, tracking a good tempo, before improving nicely (with cover) rounding the home turn. He sprinted well nearing the 200m, hit the front at the 50m and then went on to record a very good win. Material Man raced in seventh place, between runners, moved up nicely at the home turn, challenged at the 100m and then battled gamely for a good second. The three-year-old Achernar Star raced in fifth place, on the rails, was shuffled back a bit at the home turn, got a split at the 200m, challenged shortly afterwards and then fought on gamely for a very good third. The filly Perfect Jewel raced in third place, on the rails, got along the inner and briefly hit the front at the 200m before fighting on for (1.5 lengths) fourth. It’s Somewhat had a good trip in fourth place, one out and one back, briefly looked the winner when he moved up well to challenge at the 200m and then battled on for (2 lengths) fifth after seeming to have had every chance. The multiple Group One winner and favourite Black Heart Bart raced back in tenth place, on the rails, but was blocked nearing the home turn and then kept fighting on in restricted room in the straight for (5.3 lengths) ninth.