1

I Wish I Win   

Class galloper that won the G1 TJ Smith Stakes (1200m) at this track in April. Was third to champion Mr Brightside when resuming last month over 1400m in the G1 Memsie. Has only been out of the money twice in 17 starts and boasts excellent second-up form. The one to beat.

2

Private Eye

Five-time Group winner, including at the highest level. Finished second in this race last year when beaten less than half a length. Resumed with a Group 2 victory last month (1100m) and finished 2nd in a 850m trial last Friday. Big show again.

3

Think About It 

Outstanding sprinter with only one minor blemish in his 11-race career which boasts 10 wins and a third. A dual G1 winner (1400m and 1300m). Goes into this race a first-up winner in the G2 Premiere Stakes (1200m). Difficult to hold out.

4

Mazu 

A G1 and G2 winner at 1200m. Finished third in this race last season, beaten less than a length by Giga Kick. A sprinting specialist, races best on rain affected tracks. Hasn’t won for nearly 18 months and will start double figure odds.
 

5

Overpass

Second to Private Eye when resuming in the G2 The Shorts and before that was a narrow runner-up to Giga Kick in the Doomben 10,000 (1200m). A more than capable sprinter who will take some running down.

6

Buenos Noches  

Will have plenty of admirers. Yet to win at G1 level but was an emerging 3 year-old last year and just went down to Giga Kick in the Danehill Stakes (1100m) and wasn’t far away in G1s The Lightning Stakes (1000m) and the Newmarket (1200m). A narrow third behind Private Eye when resuming in The Shorts. Top prospect.

7

Hawaii Five Oh

Has made good improvement since joining the Waterhouse/Bott stable in February. Now a dual G3 winner, the entire wasn’t too far away in The Shorts and was beaten less than a length at his last start by Think About It in the G2 Premiere Stakes (1200m).  Worth serious consideration.
 

8

Alcohol Free   

Former English galloper, the mare has won four G1s (two at 1200m and two at  1600m) in her home country but has been unplaced in both of her Australian runs. Is open to improvement but will need to find several lengths.

9

In Secret  

She has won two G1s at 1200, including the Newmarket at Flemington in March. Was well supported in The Shorts when beaten by Private Eye by just over a 1L. Can handle any track condition.
 

10

Espiona

A G1 winner over 1500m, the five-year-old mare will drop back to 1200m after winning her last start at 1400m when she took out the G2 Gold Pendant by 2.4L. Might lack the sprinting polish of her rivals.

11

Shinzo

The other 3-year-old in the field, this colt won the famed G1 Golden Slipper (1200m) in March. Has raced only five times for two wins, a second and a third.  Is capable of a big finish.
 

12

Cylinder

Three year-olds have a good record in this race with Yes Yes Yes (2019) and Giga Kick (2022) both winning. Already a G2 and G3 winner, and G1 placed from just nine starts, this colt creates plenty of interest. Comes into the race with excellent recent form.
 

Reserves

13

Bella Nipotina

Classy mare that got her long-awaited G1 last year. Continues to be competitive at the highest level and finished less than 1L behind Think About It at her last start. Has an explosive finish.

14

Zapateo

A bit plain at last couple at G2 level but has been in the finish in higher quality 1200m races. Will give a sight if she gets a run.

15

King Of Sparta

Just beaten when resuming in the G2 Bobbie Lewis Quality (1200m) at Flemington in September. Form before that was solid. Set a new 1200m track record at Kembla Grange in 2021.

16

Vilana

Hasn’t measured up in last three runs which have all been at G1 level. Is best on wet tracks. Hasn’t won for nearly 6 months and will find the opposition too slick.