1

Puro Magic

Winner of 5 of 14 starts, including 3 at Group 3. Last-start winner of the G3 Ibis Summer Dash (1000m) at Niigata, overcoming 17 rivals. One of the chances.

2

Yoshino Easter

Has 6 wins from 30 starts but this is a serious rise in class. Would need to reach another level to be a major player.

3

Danon McKinley

Talented sprinter who failed to fire in the G1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1200m) when 13th to Ka Ying Rising in April. Capable of better.

4

Mama Cocha

Won this race in 2023 and finished fourth to Lugal last year. Another high-class sprinting mare who again shapes as a serious threat after last start second in G2 (1200m).

5

Kangchenjunga

Versatile sprinter who has 6 wins from 20 starts, including last-start victory in the G2 Sankei Sho Centaur Stakes (1200m) at Hanshin, beating Mama Cocha and Toshin Macau.

6

Namura Clair

Making her fourth appearance in this race, having finished third in the past two runnings. Posted best win in G2 Hanshin Cup (1400m) at Kyoto in December. One of the main contenders.

7

Satono Reve

Star sprinter with 8 wins from 14 starts. Finished 7th in this race last year and has since won the G1 Takamatsunomiya Kinen (1200m) before finishing second in both the G1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1200m) at Sha Tin behind Ka Ying Rising and the G1 Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes (1200m) at Royal Ascot. The horse to beat.

8

Pair Pollux

Emerging type who is shaping promisingly after minor placings at his past 2 starts. This is harder but a likely improver in a tough race.

9

Drop Of Light

Has 5 wins and 7 placings from 27 starts and showed improvement with last-start 2nd at G3 level over 1600m. Still ranks as an outsider.

10

Lucky Sweynesse

Winner of 4 Group 1 races and produced best run since an injury lay-off with good second to Ka Ying Rising in the Class 1 HKSAR Chief Executive’s Cup Handicap (1200m) at Sha Tin on 7 September. One of the main hopes.

11

Toshin Macau

Prolific winner at Group 2 and Group 3 level. Finished powerfully from the turn in this race last year to finish second to Lugal. Consistent and one of the leading chances again.

12

Yamanin Al Rihla

Winner of 4 of his past 6 starts but needs to improve on last-start 12th at G3 level after drawing wide.

13

June Blair

Lightly-raced mare with 4 wins from only 10 starts. Runner-up at her past 2 starts at G3 level over 1200m. On the improve.

14

Ka Pilina

Lightly-raced mare who has won 5 of her past 10 starts, including the G3 Hakodate Sprint Stakes (1200m). Progressive type but this is much harder.

15

Lugal

Enigmatic sprinter who tends to mix form. Brilliant winner of this race in 2024 but well beaten in three subsequent outings, including a last-start 5th behind Ka Ying Rising in the G1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1200m) at Sha Tin. Capable at his best.

16

Win Carnelian

Tough veteran who finished second in the G1 Al Quoz Sprint (1200m) at Meydan. Rarely far away at this level and worth consideration.