1

Hit The Road Jack

Former New Zealander who won over this trip at the track in July on soft going. Recent form has been good but didn’t do much in the Geelong Cup (2400m). Respect.

2

Point Nepean

Hasn’t raced since finishing 2nd in feature hurdle (3250m) in August. Has won at the track and distance and he’s done plenty of work for this but hasn’t won on flat for 2 years.

3

Kinesiology

Former Irish galloper making his Australian debut. Has raced 7 times for a win at Cork over 2036m. Has Listed form and five minor placings. Big watch.

4

Mr Waterville

Last win was at the Curragh in Ireland over 3332m in 2022. Hasn’t done much in his 9 Australian runs but was better at last start in JRA Cup (2040m) at Moonee Valley when beaten 3.5L.

5

Convener

Ex-European galloper who has a reasonable strike rate of 4 wins and 6 2nds from 20 starts. One of those wins was in Australia over 2000m. Finished 3.02L 5th at last start at Caulfield (2400m).

6

Garachico

Has been okay in weaker races and can improve on his last start 6th over 2400m at Geelong. Has been placed at the track and distance.

7

Whisky On The Hill

Hoped to get a Melbourne Cup start by winning the Bendigo Cup (2400m), but finished 10th when had no luck. Top chance.

8

Roaring Engine

Has mixed form over past few runs but showed improvement when 2nd, beaten 0.46L, at Caulfield over 2400m. Is suited to the 2800m.

9

Canberra Legend

Was big odds when finished strongly to place 6th, beaten 3.52L, over 2400m at Caulfield. Is yet to make inroads since arriving from Ireland.   

10

Newfoundland

Returned from a spell with a 3rd and then won next 2, both at 2400m. Has a strong finish and will be hard to hold out.

11

Call Me Vexatious

Has excellent recent form having been in the money in all past 7 runs, including last start Morphettville win at 2500m.

12

Farag

Followed up 3200m Terang win with 3rd in a Hamilton handicap when fresh. This is a tougher race.

13

Quantum Cat

Building up to win with solid overall career form at staying trips. Rise in distance will suit after 1.71L 3rd over 2400m at Caulfield last start.

14

Pesto

Raced handy and weakened to finish 8th, beaten 5.47L over 2400m at Caulfield. Raced keenly in the middle stages and raced 3-wide from the 1200m.

15

Ahuriri

Won the VRC St Leger at the track and distance in April by 2.25L. Last start finished 1.36L 4th over 2400m at Warwick Farm. Ready for this.

16

Steel Blaze

Backs-up quickly after  running-on okay in last Saturday’s Rosehill Gold Cup (2000m) to finish 9th, beaten 2.78L. This a dramatic drop in class but still needs to improve.

17

Dillian

Former European who has had one win at home over 2016m. Was momentarily held up for clear running near the 300m at Caulfield over 2400m when 4th, beaten 1.77L. Is improving.

18

Kodiak Bear

Won last start over 2600m at Ballarat by 7L after racing handy. Before that won and was 2nd over 2400m at Geelong. Plenty to like about him.

Reserves

19

Way Up High

Change of tactics at Caulfield over 2400m when she was ridden back and came from last to finish 7th.  Raced handy next start at Geelong (2400m) and won by 0.46L. Won’t find this easy.

20

Rebadge

Not far away in past three runs, including a 1.86L 5th at Geelong over 2400m. Hasn’t won since this time last year. Harder here.