1

Isivunguvungu

Did everything but win his seasonal debut when racing fresh. He should be a serious contender stripping fitter.

2

Gimme A Prince

This gelding’s trademark is to rush up late, a tactic which has served him well over further. Dropping down to 1000m, a big run is expected, provided he gets going sooner.

3

Bartholdi

Has done his best work over this distance and could surprise, but is expected to jump at long odds. This is his peak run and he is not to be underestimated.

4

Cruise Control

A raider from the Eastern Cape, he disappointed on Met Day last year, but is expected to perform much better this time round having won his last three since being gelded.

5

Alesian Chief

A Grade 1 winner, he ran a cracker carrying 137lb in his warm-up run. This son of Vercingetorix is in with a winning chance.

6

Supreme Warrior

Produced a surprise in his comeback run when sprinting over 1000m for the first time. Could surprise again for the stable that took the honours in this race last year.

7

Hithemhardsunshine

Faces a very tough task in this line-up. He was heavily backed in his two runs this season, but disappointed both times. Unlikely to make up for losses here.

8

Stiptelik

She’s in hot form, as attested by the fact that her Merit Ratings has shot up 17 points after her last two runs. A definite Place contender, but victory here will be a surprise.

9

Master Archie

A G1 winner over this distance, there’s no denying his ability, but faces a daunting task coming off a lengthy break. The fact that he wasn’t striding out last time is a concern.

10

Rio Querari

A Grade 1 winner, the six-year-old looks to be past his prime. He did have excuses in his penultimate, but was well-beaten last time out.

11

Cosmic Highway

This grandson of Silvano won on debut over this course and distance, but that was two years ago. On current form, the best he can hope for is minor money.

12

Surjay

Showed improvement last time out when dropping down to 1000m for the first time in his career, but looks outclassed here. A Place finish will be a surprise.

13

Battle Force

The five-year-old has gone off the rails. His Merit Rating is down 8 points in the last eight months and he is unlikely to feature in this event.

14

Resonate

A runner on the up who is expected to be right there at the finish. Has been progressing rapidly this season and tops the speed ratings. Big runner.

15

Bohica

The defending champion is inconsistent, which makes him difficult to assess. Based on current form, he should give a good account of himself, but is unlikely to retain his title.

16

Princess Calla

The one to beat. She’s aiming for a fifth consecutive win in a graded event. A superstar, she’s at the peak of her career and the best weighted runner in the field.

Reserves

17

Mr Cobbs

A shock-winner of the Sprint Cup when jumping at 40-1, he can be anything if he gets a run.

18

Whoa Whoa Whoa

The lowest rated of the runners, she is unlikely to get a run, and equally unlikely to feature if she does.