Good Standing wins 2016 Ladbrokes Classic Group 3 $500,000 at Caulfield (VIC) 3yo, 2000m.

The James Cummings-trained colt Good Standing soon went to the front from his good barrier (3) and rider Blake Shinn then slowed the pace (first 1400m 1:28.88) before picking up the tempo from the 600m. They grabbed a good break on straightening and then fought back to win nicely.

Rocketeer began well from his inside barrier (1) and then eased to race in fifth place on the rails. But he was shuffled back from the 600m before being compensated with a nice inside run at the 200m. He then sprinted well, got to second at the 100m and battled gamely in the sprint home to hold that position to the post.

Inference raced in ninth place, between runners, angled deeper and into clear running at the 300m and fought well for a good third, in the sprint home.

Beach Life was near last, made an early wide move from the 600m (due to the slow tempo) and was widest of all at the home turn. He then fought on quite well for fourth, beaten just under three lengths.

Of the others, the New Zealand-trained Highlad was handy enough most of the way, looked a prospect at the home turn but disappointed over the latter stages in finishing ninth.