1

Military Mission

Has been thereabouts in three runs this campaign without really threatening. Led when 2.12L sixth in the G1 Tancred Stakes (2400m). Chances better on soft going.

2

Mahrajaan

Last start winner over this trip in the G2 Auckland Cup by 0.8L. Also won the 3200m G3 New Zealand Cup in November. Big step up in class.

3

Ashrun

Easy winner in Listed Pakenham Cup (2500m) before 1.59L third in Tancred Stakes after pulling up lame. Rise to 3200m is ideal.

4

Loft

European galloper who has won at 3219m. Has struggled in his four Australian runs. Was beaten 7.53L when finished sixth in G2 Chairman’s Quality (2600m) here last Saturday. Can’t recommend.

5

Stockman

Weakened after racing on the pace when fifth, beaten 3.68L, in the G2 Chairman’s Quality (2600m) on heavy going at Randwick. Past couple have been below average. 

6

Selino

Form has been poor since coming from well back to win last year’s Brisbane Cup (3200m). Was beaten 7.15L at last start in Roy Higgins Listed (2600m) at Flemington. Others going better. 

7

Kalapour

Won the G1 Tancred Stakes (2400m) by 0.19L at big odds at last run.  Has hit form at the right time and a genuine contender.

8

Serpentine

Has won past two, including G3 Sellwood Stakes (2000m) by 0.53L.  Has struggled in past two Melbourne Cups and this isn’t easy. Is open to improvement but this a hard task.

9

Amade

Is a 3200m specialist in England. Had no luck when finished fourth at last start in Adelaide Cup (3200m) when jockey’s stirrup broken. Ready for better luck.

10

Athabascan

Was slow to begin from the outside barrier when fourth, beaten 1.66L, in the Tancred Stakes (2400m) at latest.  Has won at 2400m and now looking for 3200m.

11

Manzoice

Hasn’t won since collecting the G1 Victoria Derby (2500m) at Flemington in 2022. Past three have been okay, including most recent G3 second, beaten 3.38L in G3 Manion Cup (2400m). Possible improver.

12

Circle Of Fire

Ploughed through the heavy here to win the G2 Chairman’s Quality (2600m) by 0.44L at latest. Will have plenty of admirers and rates as one of the top chances.  

13

Glentaneous

Plenty to like about his ultra-consistent form. Has gone through the grades impressively and was sixth, beaten, 2.4
L, in Roy Higgins Listed (2600m). Can improve.

14

Major Beel

Was okay in the Roy Higgins Listed (2600m) when finished fourth, beaten 1.5L, after leading at big odds. Last win was here in Australian Derby (2400m) on heavy track. Consider if conditions are similar.

15

Mostly Cloudy

Can run a big race on his day. Was third at his last start in the Roy Higgins Listed (2600m), beaten 0.75L. Has won in England twice at the trip. Must lift but capable enough.

16

Torrens

Form isn’t good enough to threaten here. Last win was in 2022. At his most recent he was beaten 6.61L in G3 Manion Cup (2400m) at Rosehill.

17

So Dazzling

His last win was at 1800m at Flemington in 2022. Was kept safe in the betting at last start when fourth, beaten 3.35L in Chairman’s Quality (2600m). Needs a heavy track.