1

Duke De Sessa

Scratched

2

Athabascan

2024 ATC St Leger Stakes winner (2600m) who excels on soft ground. Finished powerfully when resuming with 7th in the Listed Parramatta Cup (1900m) and will be suited by rain-affected conditions. One of the chances. 

3

Warmonger

Needs to improve sharply on recent efforts. Won the 2024 G1 Queensland Derby (2400m) by 10.4 lengths on soft ground. Showed little when resuming over 1600m. Has trialled since and will appreciate the extra distance here. 

4

Asterix

2022 G1 New Zealand Derby (2400m) winner who has yet to show his best since switching to Chris Waller’s stable. To be ridden here by James McDonald. Capable of much better than his recent form suggests.  

5

Francesco Guardi

2022 G2 Moonee Valley Gold Cup (2500m) winner who has struggled recently to show his best. Yet to win over 2000m and was only fair when 12th in the Listed Parramatta Cup (1900m). Needs to lift. 

6

Virtuous Circle

2023 G1 Australian Derby (2400m) runner-up who finished last year with a 2000m win at Flemington. Trialled at Geelong in preparation for this race, but must overcome wide barrier. 

7

Zechariah

Former British galloper who showed decent form last year on the Australian provincial circuit. Expect improvement on first-up 9th in the Listed Parramatta Cup (1900m). 

8

Lastotchka

Former French galloper with 4 wins from 1800m to 3100m. Has proven form on rain-affected ground, but has shown little in 2 Australian starts for his new trainer. Needs to improve. 

9

Our Anchorage

Racing in career-best form and chasing a fifth consecutive win for Bjorn Baker. Has won 3 of 5 starts at 2000m, is adept on all ground and won the Listed Parramatta Cup (1900m) last start against several rivals in this race. 

10

Redstone Well

Talented galloper who has good record at 2000m and will be fitter after his last start 5th in the Listed Parramatta Cup (1900m). Likes to race on the speed and will be prominent for a long way. 

11

Etna Rosso

Scratched

12

Valiant King

Former European galloper yet to win in Australia. Was plain in both Caulfield Cup (2400m) and Melbourne Cup (3200m) in 2024. Has trialled over 1200m after finishing last by 9.58L first-up over 1600m at Randwick on 8 February.

13

Almania

Was better last start when dropped back from 2000m to finish 2.32L 3rd over 1600m at Doomben on 8 February.  Was 4-wide at one stage but worked home strongly. The distance is still a query.

14

Kinesiology

Ran the third fastest final 200m when resumed over 1600m at Randwick when beaten 3.31L 6th. Was again solid last start in the Listed Parammatta Cup (1900m) when 0.98L 3rd. Go close.

15

Manzoice

Scratched

16

Strathtay

Scratched

17

Alalcance

Former Irish galloper who showed plenty last year in his 3 Australian runs with a win and 2 seconds.  Has trialled twice to prepare for this after finishing 0.17L 2nd in the Listed Christmas Cup (2400m) on 14 December. Likes to lead and could take running down.

18

Hopeful

Former European galloper whose best from has been on rain-affected tracks. Has trialled over 1200m at Randwick after 6th 8.94L finish in Listed January Cup on 18 January. A one-pacer who needs to lift.

Reserves

19

Mr Waterville

Had two 1030m trials before resuming with a respectable 5.33L 7th of 16 over 1600m at Randwick on 15 February at big odds. Yet to win in Australia since arriving from Ireland in 2023.

20

Wymark

Scratched