1

Newgate

Has an excellent Santa Anita record including when his sustained surge saw him beat Subsanador by a head in a 2000m G1 here in March – a career best. Faded out in a G1 at Meydan later that month and freshened up since.

2

Subsanador

A multiple G1 winner in Argentina, he was only just caught by Newgate in a 2000m G1 here in March. On his latest start was shipped cross-country to Monmouth Park where he was an impressive G3 winner under today’s brilliant veteran rider Mike Smith. One of plenty of contenders for the early speed.

3

National Treasure

Up with the speed throughout, he bravely held off Senor Buscador to win a hugely valuable 1800m G1 at Gulfstream Park in January. In June he led throughout to thrash his five rivals by a G1 at Saratoga. Favourite but faded out on a muddy dirt track back there last month. The highest rated in this hot field.

4

Katonah

Effective at similar trip after racing over shorter earlier in his career. A solid second in a G2 at Del Mar in July but looked outclassed in a G1 there on 31 August, and it is likely to be the same again here.

5

Muth

Winner of five of his seven starts including when racing keenly and disputed the lead throughout to convincingly win an 1800m G1 at Oaklawn Park in March. Sidelined for the next five months, re-emerging to easily justify red-hot favouritism at Del Mar.

6

Senor Buscador

Suited by the fast pace, he surged late to win G1 Saudi Cup, the world’s richest race and over this trip, in February. Off for nearly five months, he looked to need the run over an inadequate 1400m when fourth at Del Mar last month. He is a horse for the big day, and this is one of them.

7

Indispensable

Has been posting some solid placed efforts and finished 2L second of Muth in Listed company at Del Mar this month. But ratings suggest that he has an awful lot to find in this red-hot field.