Nick Hall rode Fawkner skilfully in the early stages eased him across from his barrier (10) to settle, travelling nicely in tenth place on the rails. He improved between runners passing the 600m, switched across heels turning for home and put in a good run to hit the lead at the 100m. He then drew clear to score well by just over a length. Dandino went forward from his wide barrier (16) but was trapped wide so Craig Williams eased him, settling him past midfield in 14th place. He was giving the leader at least 12 lengths passing the 800m, switched out wide rounding the home turn he then came with a strong late run for an eye-catching second, putting up an excellent trial for the Melbourne Cup (Gr 1, 3200m) on 5 November. James McDonald eased Dear Demi immediately across heels on leaving her outside barrier (18) and she settled 15th on the rails. She was about 12th at the home turn, switched back to the rails at the 300m and got an inside run to challenge strongly at the 100m. She then battled on for a very good third. Jet Away settled in a good position about 12th, one of the rails. However he started to race a little keenly, Damien Oliver then elected to make an early move near the 1200m point. He moved up wide and joined the leaders, still three wide, at the 600m. He then took the lead on turning for home and only tired from the 100m to finish a length and three quarters fourth. It was a very good performance under the circumstances. Royal Descent had a nice trip from her good barrier (3) in about eighth place, one off the rails. She switched out nearing the home turn and was in a challenging position on straightening. She then kept battling on to finish fifth after seeming to have every chance. Mr Moet had a good run just behind the leaders most of the way to the turn. He challenged at the 250m and then fought on for sixth after having appearing to have every opportunity. The favourite Hawkspur was eased from his wide barrier (14) and settled well back in second last place in the 18-horse field. He was still giving the leader about 15 lengths at the 800m, he then switched to the rails nearing the home turn and made up a lot of ground in the straight for a late-closing two and a half lengths seventh. Silent Achiever travelled nicely midfield one off the rails before moving up wide nearing the home turn and kept battling on fairly well for eighth, after seeming to have her chance in the straight. Moriarty was last to the turn and made up good ground late to finish tenth, beaten just under three lengths, putting up a nice effort. *ANZ