1

Ka Ying Rising

Champion Hong Kong galloper with the title of the world’s highest rated sprinter with 14 wins and 2 seconds from 16 starts. Has won 13 in succession, including first-up at most recent race over 1200m at Sha Tin on 7 September. Trial was okay at Randwick on 7 October when close-up 3rd over 1000m. The one to beat with Zac Purton to ride.

2

Briasa

Stable is confident of success in this race. Won a G1 over the distance and at the track in April after racing handy. Handles all conditions. Is at last start winner at the track and distance in G2 on 4 October.

3

Overpass

Finished off last year with a G1 1200m victory in Perth and resumed with close-up 2nd in G1 TJ Smith Stakes (1200m) here on 5 April. Prominent and faded last start. Finished in front of Ka Ying Rising in 1000m trial on 7 October. Needs to lift.

4

Jimmysstar

Likes to get back in his races but has a big finishing burst. Was again strong to line at last start when second, beaten 0.62L, here in G2 1200m. A leading contender.

5

War Machine

Winner of his past 4, including latest 2L G2 win over 1200m at Flemington when first-up on 4 October. Has a solid second-up record. Finished last campaign with G1 win at 1400m. Sure to give plenty of cheek at good odds.

6

Mazu

Front-runner, who has a good record at the track and distance. Would be aided by a soft track. Has been okay in past couple including 3.57L 3rd in G2 here on 4 October. Entitled to be big odds.

7

Jedibeel

Last win was at this track on in March in G2 over 1000m. Most recently was 4 of 7, beaten 4.11L, at Randwick in G2. Has been big odds at past 2 and is an outsider in this.

8

Angel Capital

Over-raced last start when he finished 4th, beaten 1.3L in G1 1400m at Caulfield. Had no luck and probably should have won.  Was again keen when 7 of 7 in 1000m trial on 7 October. Has 5 wins from 9 races and has plenty of ability.

9

Joliestar

Flashed home to finish 7th in this race last year. Has won 2 G1 races this year and was a last start winner of G2 over 1100m here on 20 September despite running wide. Demands respect.

10

Lady Shenandoah

The Chris Waller-trained runner who didn’t live up to her pre-market expectations in G1 1200m at Moonee Valley on 26 September when 4th, beaten 2.7L with no luck. Has won 3 G1s, including 2 this year, for 5 wins from 9 starts. Can bounce back. 

11

Magic Time

Capable and versatile mare who was solid in her last run when only fairly away to finish 2.3L 3rd in G1 Manikato Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley. Can run home strongly but this is a tough race.

12

Tempted

The 3-year-old is the youngest horse in the field and shows plenty of promise with 4 wins, 1 second and 2 thirds from her 8 races. Just missed 2nd when she ran 3rd when Beiwacht smashed the track record in the G1 Golden Rose Stakes (1400m) at Rosehill on 27 September. 1200m suits.

Reserves

13

Iowna Merc

Resumed with a 5.32L 6 of 7 in G2 1200m at Randwick on 4 October. Has a great second-up record and raced extremely well earlier in the year. Others have better credentials.

14

Generosity

Had no luck first-up in G3 1000m at Randwick when was held up in the straight and not fully tested. Was sound second-up when 3rd behind Joliestar in 1100m G2 on 20 September. Place chance.

15

Rothfire

Got in trouble first-up in G1 at Moonee Valley when he was held up for clear running in the straight. Then raced wide at next start at same track when 7 of 10 in G1 1200m. Will be big odds.

16

Golden Mile

First-up for new trainer. Has had 2 trials to prepare for this after finishing last campaign with 10 of 18 in G1 1400m. Is a G1 winner at 1600m and has run some big races.