1

Ashrun

Off the scene for nearly three years after finishing 10th in the 2020 Melbourne Cup for Andreas Wohler. Now in the Maher/Eustace camp, he was good in his comeback run last month and has done plenty of work.

2

Goldman

Lightly-raced gelding that win the Roy Higgins over 2600m at this track in March. Two runs back from a spell in Group company have been okay and is much fitter for this and has a great record on soft ground.

3

Sheraz

Former French galloper that came to Australia with four wins but is yet to add to that tally. Was a $101 chance in G3 Naturalism (2000m) but has been thereabouts in previous runs and could surprise with the rise in distance.

4

Serpentine

G1 Epsom Derby winner at just his second start in England in 2020. Beat two home in last year’s Melbourne Cup and is now in the Waterhouse/Bott Flemington stable.  Is capable enough on his day.

5

Sir Lucan

Another former Irish galloper that finished well back in the 2021 Melbourne Cup. Was good at his last start in the G3 Colin Stephen Quality (2400m) at Randwick when he finished fourth, beaten less than 1L. Will give a sight.

6

Virtuous Circle

Suited best on rain affected tracks. The entire has won just two races and appears he would only come into calculations on a heavy track.  Beaten less than 1L in the ATC Derby (2400m) in April in heavy conditions.

7

Athabascan

Winner of his past two – the Listed Tatts Cup (2400m) at Randwick and the G3 Colin Stephen Quality (2400m) at Rosehill. The gelding was Listed-placed three times in France and is a major player in this.

8

High Emocean

Was sixth beaten 1.4L in this race last year and then won the Bendigo Cup before running an eye-catching third in the Melbourne Cup. Has done little since then but does have class.

9

Hopeful

Good French form and has been placed at Flemington on a soft track at the Turnbull distance. Is open to improvement if conditions suit.

10

Alaskan God

Western Australian visitor who won his local Derby (2400m) last year. Finished 2.75L in third position in the G3 MRC Foundation Cup at last start and will be making up ground late.

11

Amade

The 10-year-old’s last win was in 2021 at Flemington over 2600m on a soft track.  Was a $151 chance at last start when beat six home but should be improved.

12

Fancy Man

Withdrawn

13

Hasta La War

Withdrawn

14

Interpretation

Third in this race last year when beaten less than 1L and then failed to finish in the Melbourne Cup. Recent form has been good and looms as a chance.

15

Future History

Rises a lot in class but the increase in distance is ideal.  Has won four races overseas and has one win and two seconds from his four Aussie runs.

16

Mostly Cloudy

Solid form at recent runs, including last start 2L win at Flemington over 2500m when he made his move at the 400m. Good enough form to be in the placings.

18

First Immortal

Exciting young galloper with seven wins and two seconds from 13 starts. Has won three of four starts at Flemington and although a rise in class, he has the right form and pedigree to win this for Melbourne Cup-winning trainer Mark Kavanagh and his son Levi.

19

Shaiyhar

Has won three of five on soft going, including one at Flemington where has won twice. Finished sixth beaten 5.3L to stablemate Mostly Cloudy at last start. Place chance.

Reserve

17

Carini

Withdrawn

20

United Nations

Lightly-raced and on the rise with placings at past two starts. Raced handy last start and got home well.  Will make presence felt if he gets a run.