1

Dubai Honour

Has a perfect strike rate in Australia with 3 G1 victories from 3 tries, including this race in 2023. Won the G1 Tancred Stakes (2400m) first-up on 1 April after G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Vase (2400m) 2nd at Sha Tin in December. Serious threat.

2

Rousham Park

Japanese stayer who is first-up after 3L 7th in G1 Arima Kinen (2500m) at Nakayama in December. Is a G2 and G3 winner in Japan and two starts ago finished neck 2nd in G1 Breeders’ Cup Turf (2400m) at Del Mar. Has the right credentials.

3

Light Infantry Man

Too strong over this 2000m trip when won G1 Australian Cup at Flemington on 29 March at last start. Took over at the 400m mark to win by 2L. Has only raced once at 2000m and can keep improving.

4

Ceolwulf

Comes into consideration after 0.01L G3 win on rain-affected ground at Rosehill on 1 April and before that was narrow 3rd in G1 over 1500m at same track. Consistent and can handle all conditions.

5

Tom Kitten

On the back-up after finishing 7th, but beaten only 0.91L, in the G1 Doncaster Mile (1600m) last Saturday when got aggressive in the run because of lack of tempo. Hasn’t raced at 2000m since March last year. Won the G1 All-Star Mile (1600m) 3 starts back. Big test.
 

6

Vauban

Didn’t lose many admirers when followed up first-up G3 2000m win at Rosehill with 1.42L 3rd in G1 Tancred Stakes (2400m) at same track on 1 April. Was strong to the line and will again make presence felt.

7

Buckaroo

Had a trial after 3.52L 9th in last year’s G1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) leading into first-up 9th in G1 1500m at Rosehill on 22 March when had no luck. Has since had quiet 1000m trial. Not without a chance.

8

Lindermann

Is racing in great form and has run minor places in past 4, including most recent 1.53L 2nd in G1 Ranvet Stakes (2000m) to Via Sistina. Likes to lead and will again give cheek.

9

Fawkner Park

Has run 1.58L 4th and 2.09L 3rd to champion mare Via Sistina in past 2, both at G1 level. Stable has promised to take on the mare this time around. It’s a big challenge.

10

Middle Earth

Won 4 races in England before joining the Ciaron Maher stable where he won first-up over 2000m and then finished 5th to stablemate Light Infantry Man in G1 2000m. Will be running on.

11

Geoglyph

Japanese horse who was never in it at his Australian debut in the G1 Doncaster Mile (1600m) when 8.84L 18 of 20.  Was slow away and got too far back to make any impact.  Extra distance could help but needs to find rapid improvement.

12

Via Sistina

Champion mare aiming for her 9th G1 victory. Has won seven of those since arriving in Australia. Last start 2000m G1 winner at Rosehill on 22 March. Has since had leisurely 1000m trial on 4 April.  Clearly the one to beat.

13

Fangirl 

Scratched
 

14

Deny Knowledge

Likes to go to the front and fought on strongly to hold onto 2L 2nd in the G1 Australian Cup (2000m) at Flemington on 29 March. Opposition won’t let her get too far in front this time and she faces plenty of quality challengers.

15

Full Count Felicia

American-bred mare who is a G1 winner over 2000m in Canada. Led but faded in her first Australian run in G1 2000m on 22 March to finish 5.1L 4th. Has since trialed and has good second-up form.