1

Cabo Spirit

A G2 winner here in 2022 but has failed to win in eleven starts since. A respectable third at Del Mar on his latest venture, but his winning chances don’t look obvious.

2

Seven Wonders

Long on stamina and has performed well over this course and distance. Finished first when returned from break last time at Del Mar, though disqualified to sixth due to interference.

3

Divin Propos

A European import who makes US stakes debut following a decisive victory in a 2200m allowance race at Del Mar last month. That day he stalked the pace and held off a grade stakes winner. Doesn’t have the strongest speed figures in this but yet to run a bad race and has a solid winning chance.

4

Master Piece

Not beaten far in this in 2021, he is a very capable veteran who has won a G2 at Aqueduct this year. Not beaten far in G2s at Del Mar on his last two starts. One or two others look preferred.

5

Dicey Mo Chara

Only one grade stakes’ win that being in a G2 here in 2022. Second in G2s at Del Mar on his last two starts, most recently only just missing out after rallying bravely before being edged out by todays’ rival Gold Phoenix.

6

Rockemperor

A very experienced veteran who has competed over a variety of trips and only just failed to win a 2800m G3 here in June. Will need to reverse form with three who finished in front of him at Del Mar on 31 August.

7

Big Blue Line

His record suggests that he is more effective on dirt so is likely to struggle against plenty of specialist turf horses here. Won over 1600m on dirt at Saratoga last month.

8

El Encinal

Last December he pulled off an upset when – under a crafty ride – he won South America’s biggest race – over 2400m – at San Isidro in Argentina. Facing rivals who finished ahead of him at Del Mar last month.

9

Gold Phoenix

In a G2 at Del Mar on 31 August, he stalked the pace and then surged along the rail to gain a narrow win with all five of those behind him angling for revenge here. A disappointing fifth in this when favourite last year but won a 2000m G2 here in May.

10

There Goes Harvard

Landed a surprise G1 victory on dirt here back in 2022 but this versatile type has also won on turf at Santa Anita and wasn’t beaten far – after a wide trip – in a 1600m turf G1 here in May.

11

Balnikhov

A seven-time winner who nearly made it eight when his powerful finish resulted in a very close third to Gold Phoenix and Dicey Mo Chara – rivals again – in a G2 at Del Mar last month.