Trained at Bunbury by John Graham for owner Neven Botica, the son of Armbro Operative was driven with supreme confidence by Chris Lewis. Cody Banks, from the inside barrier, was beaten out by Mister Odds On (barrier four), but Lewis was able to urge Cody Banks forward and foil Colin Brown's attempt to set the pace with Mister Odds On.

The New Zealand-bred Cody Banks was confidently supported from 11/4 to start an even-money favourite ahead of stablemate Lively Royce (3/1), who disappointed in finishing 11th.

Lively Royce started from the second line and settled down handily placed in sixth position in the one-wide line. Lively Royce moved into fifth place (three wide) at the bell, but he failed to flatter.

Mister Odds On, who has recovered from a bout of ulcers, did well to fight on and finish third after working hard in the breeze throughout the 2130m event.

Ken Casellas