This Listed 2000m event may well have determined the betting order and possible quinella for the G1 Auckland Cup to be held in the first week of March. The race pace was not strong so none of the Cup contenders had a hard run so that is in actuality a plus and the main two chances ran first and third in this. Benzini came with a withering and weaving burst to win and with such a turn of foot he could be the Cup winner if he can get 3200m. He is by Tale Of The Cat so that would be of real concern but the stayer depth is near non-existent at the moment and the G1 feature at Ellerslie does not look to be a very strong field at all. Classcoroc hugged the fence to the home turn and fought well for second with that effort however being more race pace and pattern assisted. Surpass was super for third under 59kg and kept coming like he is primed for 3200m and no surprise if he starts favourite on the day. Silverdale ran on well down the outer and when his burst is timed he is always a top tier chance. Arizona Jazz ran a blinder and fought hard when tested across the top to the home turn and he should stay all day. Rose Of Virginia was game after making a wide midrace move and challenging for the lead across the top to the home turn, Apache Fireworks ran on late while the rest were poor and may have had enough for the time being. The time of 2:03.29 was only just over three lengths superior to the last race easy winner of a Ratings 75 in Celebrity Miss that was a weight special having the same weight as she carried to win comfortably in this grade prior. As far as a portent to a G1 two-mile race goes this 2000m event has highlighted that two serious chances ran well in this to win and place.