Absalon relished the wet conditions in Brisbane to upstage the favourite Fillydelphia in the Recognition Stakes.
The well-travelled five-year-old Absalon handled the heavy track well to win nicely here at good odds ($17).
He was trapped wide in the early stages and worked forward to race outside the leader (Skating Away). They travelled along well at a good tempo before Absalon went to the front rounding the home turn. He grabbed a good break passing the 300m point and went to the post well to score by one and a quarter lengths.
Second favourite Fillydelphia ($3) settled midfield on the rails from her inside barrier. She improved nicely, between runners, at the 600m and went to fourth at the 200m. She went to the rails from that point and fought on nicely for second after seeming to have every chance in the latter stages.
Elmantosh went back from his outside barrier and raced in eighth place before making a wide run from the 700m point. He got to fifth at the 200m and continued to battle on gamely on the heavy track for a sound third.
The favourite Black Cash ($3.50) had a good run, handily placed wide with cover in about fifth spot. He moved up nicely to third nearing the home turn and looked a danger, but he only plugged home on the heavy track after straightening to finish sixth, beaten three lengths.
