Ventura Storm scored his first Australian win, after placings at Group 1 and 2 level, at his 17th start since he commenced racing in this country in May 2017. He began well and settled in an ideal spot, fourth on the rails, tacking a good tempo. Mark Zahra brought him to challenge coming to the home turn and after a battle in the straight, he drew clear to score in a solid staying effort. Trap For Fools went to the front as expected, set quite a good tempo and then battled gamely when challenged for a very good second, advancing in distance here. Libran raced in ninth place, went to fourth nearing the home turn and then battled strongly for a good third. Veteran Who Shot Thebarman settled back in 12th place, improved (between runners) at the home turn and kept running on to take fourth looking on track for yet another Melbourne Cup (Gr 1, 3200m) bid. The favourite The Taj Mahal worked from his wide barrier (14) but was caught deep in third place before tiring for (5.7 lengths) ninth after a difficult trip.