Pouncing upon the supremacy early in the opening event, Swingman ($6.50 TABtouch) took the race by the scruff of the neck in a decisive ride from Steve Parnham.
Pumped along by his hoop with 500m remaining, the three-year-old kept up a genuine gallop over the concluding stages to record a neck victory, his second from as many starts this campaign.
Eager trial viewers made note of Sweet Tea’s ($19) performance at Belmont almost two weeks ago, supporting the one-time winner from as much as $34 down for Saturday’s contest.
At her 34th start, the seven-year-old mare finished powerfully from three-back the fence under Pat Carbery to launch past the leaders and won by a half-length from He’s Archie ($16).
In bleak conditions and poor visibility, Tropicconi ($12) had the rail to help as he was sprung upon a prominent role from gate No.1 by Shaun McGruddy.
Railing through to lead on the corner, Karen Kersley’s six-year-old romped away from the opposition to salute by two and a half lengths.
Watch the replay and post-race interview here.
Leading into this weekend’s $100,000 Nicopolis Stakes (1200m), Chris and Michael Gangemi were upset by the unfortunate absence of their noble stable frontman Phanta, who had recorded back-to-back triumphs in the Belmont Newmarket and Idyllic Prince Stakes.
They need not worry with Rokanori ($15) announcing himself as a potential candidate for the brothers in the $1 million Golden Saddle (1200m) slot race next month by earning a length success.
Positioned three-back the rail approaching the bend, Jordan Turner squirreled the seven-year-old into open air before letting down a sustained burst, cutting down Final Siren ($2.70) over the last 75m.
Watch the replay and post-race interview here.
Antique Star ($2.25f) was given a lovely trail mid-race behind Bigdayonit ($20) but found himself in a predicament when the front-runner began to flag around the turn.
Expertly manoeuvred by Clint Johnston-Porter through a narrow gap, the five-year-old struck the lead and surged up the straight, beating More Than Enuff ($6) by three-quarters of a length.
After a contested duel for the early initiative, Cosmic Crusader ($2.10f) eventually won out and snatched the front-running with 1000m to go.
Rolling into the straight, the returning five-year-old abandoned his rivals and in a matter of strides, he was four lengths clear.
Allowed to merely idle over the final 100m by Clint Johnston-Porter, the talented bay sent a loud warning to potential spring foes with a thumping three-and-a-half-length victory in his first outing since October 2024.
Dropped out by William Pike, Essentric Nature ($9.50) was giving away a hefty advantage to some fancied adversaries, including in-form stablemate Yorga Pride ($7).
But the five-year-old made up ground hand over fist between the 400m and 200m, scorching up to Yorga Pride with a furlong to travel before scoring by more than a length.
Those who endured the luckless misfortunes of I Love Your Smile ($2.80f) seven days earlier were rewarded if faithful to the cause as the mare propelled past her opposition in the final race.
Badly hampered when in a near-identical spot at the 500m a week ago, William Pike poked and probed his way through the pack before unleashing the six-year-old at the furlong mark.
Gathering up the game Lombadina ($14), The Wizard completed a double as the chestnut spurted to a half-length success.
HIGHLIGHT OF THE DAY
The return of Cosmic Crusader. This son of Maurice introduced himself as a potential top-liner with back-to-back glories last year ahead of a blighted stint on the sidelines. All indications from his first-up showing are that he’s back in a big way and can continue the progression.
Watch the replay here.
HORSE TO FOLLOW
Eliteone (Race 7)
No better than three wide without cover throughout, this horse fought on gallantly to be third and only a head behind Yorga Pride. Could prove a handy form race with plenty of depth engaged, and this horse can win very soon.
Hayden King.