Effectively a Cox Plate rematch, just run over 40m less. BIRDMAN (5) was held up and dashed through a gap there, briefly looking the winner before COSMIC CRUSADER (1) mowed him down to confirm his position as best middle distance horse in the country. They did go very fast there and he was (again) best suited. Perhaps they do again, but if they don't, Birdman showed in the Underwood he has the turn of foot to beat the Crusader. AELIANA (10) had every chance in the Cox Plate the way the race was run but the winner came off her back and was simply too good. She raced like she wants further which she doesn't get, maybe the gate helps her get first run but early favourite is a stretch given the other two beat her last time. SIR DELIUS (3) was closer to the brutal speed in the Cox Plate but still underwhelmed a bit given he'd relished that scenario in the Autumn. He too looks like he wants further than 2000m. LIGHT INFANTRY MAN (2) went too quick there, the Turnbull 2nd has him a minor hope
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