1400m – Turf
| 1 | Russian Rock | Back over his ideal distance, this son of Pomodoro has been at his best since gelding when taking the early lead. His gate speed will be crucial with six runners on his inside. A Grade 1 winner, he is also well-weighted to win. |
| 2 | Silver Operator | Undefeated in four runs over course and distance, including his prep run ahead of Met Day, this five-year-old has drawn ideally and is the one to beat. Can’t fault him on form, but he does tend to fade first up after a win. |
| 3 | Speed Machine | Although not fancied by punters and quoted at 12-1 in early betting, he could be the surprise package in the field. Slow out the blocks last time out over too short a distance, he does have the advantage of a claim. Not to be ignored. |
| 4 | Warrior | Was caught out by the blistering early pace last time out in the Queen’s Plate. With Grant van Niekerk now in the saddle it’s unlikely to happen again, so he will be contesting the finish if in a position to pounce over the last 400m. |
| 5 | Hyde Park | Although Kenilworth is not his favourite track, he is back over his best distance. Don’t be surprised if he takes the early lead and stays there until the business end of the race, as he is not known for making up ground in the final stages. |
| 6 | Pinkerton | Unlikely to take the honours despite four wins over the course and distance. His merit rating was bumped up 10 points after consecutive victories a year ago, and he hasn’t quite lived up to that expectation. |
| 7 | Good Traveller | Another runner whose merit rating has done him no favours. Now takes a major drop in class and a small drop in distance, but still sits bottom of the bookmakers’ boards. Doesn’t tick the boxes. |
| 8 | Look For Hounds | Beaten just 0.5 lengths by Russian Rock two months back, he is better off this time round. Holding form, he could feature. The draw has not been in his favour, but jockey Richard Fourie does know the track like the back of his hand. |
| 9 | Bush Tracker | His maiden win was a pillar-to-post affair, and if he can grab the lead from gate No 1 and force his rivals deep, he might just give them a run for their money. He won his latest over course and distance against weaker. Now it’s a much tougher ask. |
