G1 – 1300m – Turf
1 | Ceolwulf | One of Australia’s most exciting horses as the winner of the G1 Epsom Handicap (1600m) and G1 King Charles III Stakes (1600m). Beaten only 1.45 lengths when fourth when resuming in the G2 Apollo Stakes (1400m) behind Fangirl. The one to beat. |
2 | Here To Shock | Racing in career-best form with Group 1 victory in New Zealand over 1400m, scoring by 4 lengths at Te Rapa. Acts well on good going and has won in Sydney previously. Hard to beat on his recent results and has been working well at Flemington since his return to Australia. |
3 | Airman | Talented gelding with 6 wins from 17 starts and a Group 2 winner last preparation over 1200m in early October last year. Jumped out twice in good fashion before resuming with a 5th behind Magic Time over 1200m at Randwick last month. Fitter now and one of the chances. |
4 | Militarize | Winner of three Group 1s from 1400m-1600m. Off the scene since finishing 3rd to Celestial Legend in the G1 Doncaster Mile (1600m) on a heavy track in April, 2024. Has trialled moderately ahead of his return, but is a winning chance at his best. |
5 | Pericles | Dual Group 2 winner and placed at Group 1, the James Cummings-trained gelding failed to fire when 8th to Mr Brightside in the G1 Futurity Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield. Could easily rebound. |
6 | Royal Patronage | High-class galloper off the scene since finishing 7th to Via Sistina in the G1 Cox Plate (2040m) in October. Fitter for two recent trials and must be considered. |
7 | Celestial Legend | A dual Group 1 winner, the Hong Kong-owned horse has not raced since October and resumes after two moderate trials. An explosive galloper at his best and can handle all types of track conditions. One of the chances if he is close to his best form. |
8 | Encap | Won the G2 Theo Marks Stakes (1300m) at Rosehill in September and closed last preparation with a good 3rd at Group 2 level over 1600m. Trialled nicely at Warwick Farm over 900m ahead of his return. |
9 | Sunshine In Paris | Closed last preparation with victory in the G1 VRC Champions Sprint (1200m), defeating Right To Party and Bella Nipotina. Top-class mare when fully fit and looked good in two recent trials. Another leading contender. |
10 | Magic Time | Group 1 winner over 1400m on heavy ground, the mare is also adept in faster going. Resumed in great fashion with a narrow win in the G2 Expressway Stakes (1200m) and is again one of the main chances. Effective in all conditions. |
11 | Stefi Magnetica | Versatile mare trained by Bjorn Baker. Downed a top-class field to win the G1 Stradbroke Handicap (1400m) in June 2024 and has readied her return with two good trials. One of the chances. |
12 | Switzerland | Boom colt who started favourite when 4th to Skybird in the G1 Black Caviar Lightning (1000m) at Flemington on 15 February. Unbeaten at this course in three starts and deserved another chance back in Sydney. Effective on all types of going. One of the leading hopes. |