Rageese, who was having his fourth run this preparation, was ridden quietly by Damian Lane and settled back in ninth place, behind a good tempo. He improved well (wide) rounding the home turn, sprinted quickly to hit the front on passing the 200m and then went on to win well. The Irish-bred Arod returned to Australia after four European starts and put up a good effort in running second. He raced in fourth place, improved coming to the home turn, moved up strongly to challenge at the 200m and then fought well, just finding the winner a bit too good. Federal had a good trip in fifth place on the rails from his inside barrier (1), got along the inner at the 200m in restricted room and then battled well for third after getting clear running in the latter stages. The favourite Takedown worked from his wide barrier (10) before settling outside the leader (Hooked). He challenged at the home turn and then battled on well under his top weight (59.5kg) for (2.5 lengths) fifth after a taxing trip.