1

Gringotts

Versatile galloper who revels in rain-affected going and races well first-up. Has to be respected after excellent Spring campaign. One of the chances.

2

Headley Grange

Resuming after two good trials and has won three of four starts when first-up. Another runner with impressive wet-track form and definite contender.

3

Linebacker

Emerging galloper with four wins and two placings from 12 starts. Unbeaten in two starts at 1300m and handles all types of conditions. Likely to prefer longer.

4

Yorkshire

Has an excellent record with eight wins and two placings from 11 starts and made impressive progress last year by advancing to G2 victory. Must be respected.

5

Encap

Back-marker who hasn’t won since September 2024. Raced well last year without winning and this is much harder. Needs to lift.

6

Joliestar

Finished 1.58L fifth to Ka Ying Rising in the G1 The Everest (1200m) in October and resumed with strong G2 win over 1200m at Randwick on 14 February. The horse to beat.

7

Lady Shenandoah

Finished 2.28L seventh to Ka Ying Rising in the G1 The Everest (1200m) in October and resumed with solid third to Joliestar over 1200m at Randwick on 14 February. One of the main chances.

8

Beiwacht

Highly-rated colt who disappointed with 6.31L last of eight runners after leading in G1 Lightning Stakes (1000m) at Flemington on 14 February. Group 1 winner who can improve sharply here.

9

Napoleonic

Talented three-year-old who finished second to Tempted when resuming in the G3 Eskimo Prince Stakes (1200m) at Randwick on 7 February before running second to Ninja over 1400m at Rosehill on 21 February. Cannot be discounted.

10

Nepotism

Group 1 winner who finished last year with seventh to Via Sistina in G1 Cox Plate (2040m) at Moonee Valley. Trialled solidly on 23 February but is yet to win first-up.