Winner of 9 out of 12 starts and unbeaten at first two runs from a spell. Messene will start favourite for the race. Last start winner defeating Weary over 1500 metres in the Group 2 AJAX Hcp at Rosehill. This will be it's true test against stronger opposition but is ticking all the right boxes.
2/10
Weary
Defeated by race favourite Messene two runs back, however showed it's best when winning the Doncaster Prelude last week. Races in a handy position to be in the finish.
3/10
Hawkspur
Two runs back from a spell have indicated it is improving with racing. Ran 4th last start to Slient Achiever over the longer trip of 2000m when doing it's best work over the concluding stages. Is always a chance if the race is run at a frantic pace.
4/10
El Roca
His only missed a place once in it's short career of 8 starts. Looked the winner until the concluding stages when beaten into third by the fast finishing Gordon Lord Byron and Speediness
5/10
Sacred Falls
Is one of the better runners on rain affected ground. Distance suits and is expected to improve further after an encouraging 4th in the Group 1 George Ryder behind eventual winner Gordon Lord Byron.
6/10
Toydini
Winner of the Crystal Mile over the same distance last campaign in Group 3 company. Was only beaten just over a length in the Emirate Stakes at Group 1 level behind Boban. Extra consistant horse and a win would not surprise.
7/10
Royal Descent
Was in need of the run when 5th in the Coolmore Group 1 behind Steps in Time. The extra distance suits as does the rain affected track. Has not missed a placing at four runs at this track, with 2 wins, a second and a third.
8/10
Boban
Emirates winner in November and recently defeated It's a Dundeel in the Chipping Norton. Last start got too far back but was never like when finishing 7th beaten just over 4 lengths. Question marks around the horses performances on rain affected tracks, but can't be dismissed as a genuine chance.
9/10
Slow Pace
French Galloper with all the right credentials. Made a statement at it's first run in Australia in 2014 with an impressive fast finish 3rd betaen less than 1/2 a length behind promising horse Mecir. Will appreciate the extra 200 metres and has many astute judges declaring this horse the winner.
10/10
Speediness
Was back to his best when looked all bar the winner in the Group 1 George Ryder. Fitness will be the key to this runner and the sting out of the ground will suit. Expect another admirable performance.