1

Main Defender

Needed the run when finishing fifth last first-up in February after nearly 11 months on the sidelines. May still be building his fitness but was a convincing winner of this race two years ago and is a place chance here.

2

See It Again

Scooped the G1 Cape Town Met (2000m) last start and was a narrow third in the G1 King’s Plate (1600m) a run earlier, suggesting the step back in trip here will be no issues. Looks very tough to beat.

3

The Real Prince

Third behind See It Again in the G1 Cape Town Met (2000m) last start but had that galloper’s measure when winning the G1 King’s Plate (1600m) on 10 January. Will be another ding-dong battle between the two.

4

Atticus Finch

Hasn’t been seen since finishing way back in a messy G1 Summer Cup (2000m) on 29 November and is likely to need the run here. Could manage a placing if he can produce something near his best.

5

Cosmic Speed

Snared this race last year but has mixed his form since, failing to win again and finishing well behind See It Again in the G1 Cape Town Met (2000m) last start. Not impossible he goes back to back but significant improvement is needed.

6

Fire Attack

Failed to beat a runner home in the G1 King’s Plate (1600m) two starts back but enjoyed a return to Turffontein last time out, snaring the G3 London News Stakes (1800m). Can figure in the placings with improvement.

7

Texas Red

Finished second behind Cosmic Speed at long odds in this race last year and boasts strong recent form with four consecutive placings. Each-way chance again.

8

Pressonregardless

Has been in solid form to start 2026, winning once and also running third from two starts, but this is a much stiffer test and others appeal more.

9

Tin Pan Alley

Three-year-old was a solid performer in the G2 Gauteng Guineas (1600m) last start, finishing sixth behind the smart Splittheeights. Steps into the deep end here but is not without a place chance.