1

Biometric

Was eased down in the final 100m of his first-up run in the Listed Weekend Hussler Stakes (1400m). Forget that run and his prior form is good enough for this.

2

Inver Park

Finished 11 of 16, beaten 5.3L in last run in G3 Sydney Stakes (1200m) at big odds. This isn’t an easy task.

3

Chicago Storm

Great form in South Australia, including last start Gawler Cup (1500m) victory, entitles him to have a crack at something better. Distance is ideal.

4

Imperial Lad

Only beat one home when resumed at Geelong over 1200m. Beaten 11.4L this time, his form wasn’t good when he went for a spell.

5

Ulysses

Would need to find some improvement on recent runs. Most recently finished 4.95L sixth off Antino in G3 1500m race. Hard to get enthused.
 

6

Bermadez

Hasn’t won since May last year. He drops back from 2040m when finishing 9.95L last at Moonee Valley. Others better.   
 

7

Dubai Poet

Ready to show his best after three solid runs, including 1300m win at Sandown two starts back. Last run was also encouraging.

8

Rise Of The Masses

Rises slightly in class for this. Has improved with racing and won at Warwick Farm (1300m) and then 2.57L fourth at latest. Worth considering.
 

9

Saint Bathans

His best has been on heavy ground. His past few runs have been average, including a 5.15L second last at his most recent start at Caulfield over 1440m.

10

Soldier Of Love

Winless for over two years.  Impossible to mount a case for based on a long list of outs.

11

Beehunter

First-up for this after finishing second last over 1600m at Flemington in July. Has been okay at this track but needs to improve a lot.

12

Lafargue

Recent form entitles him to be a leading contender. Is a 1400m winner and has been okay in his Flemington runs. Bolted in last start at Geelong over 1200m.

13

Pascero

Third-up after a spell. First two back have been reasonable and will be much improved to tackle this. Won at 1400m at Randwick in June.

14

Robusto 

Will appreciate the rise in distance after his first-up 4.13L fifth at Randwick in October. Can improve.

15

Substantial

Former UK galloper who will have his admirers. Hasn’t been beaten far in his Australian runs and is ready to win. Was 1.95L third at Caulfield last start.

16

Chorlton Lane

The one to beat. Has only been out of the money once in his seven starts. Was third at last start, beaten 1.88L over 1400m at Rosehill.

Reserves

17

Tonneofgrit

Ideally placed here with a first, second and third at past three starts. Likes the track and the 1400m. Was beaten 0.1L second at Caulfield at most recent start.

18

Foxy Cleopatra

Lightly raced and on the comeback trial after being beaten by 0.75L to finish second in last year’s G3 Ethereal Stakes (2000m) and then 7.25L seventh in G1 Kennedy Oaks. Creates interest.