1

Southern Legend

One of two Hong Kong trained horses, the Caspar Fownes Australian-bred five-year-old won four races (1000m to 1200m) in Australia before relocating to Hong Kong where he has won a further four races (1200m to 1600m). Last start, he returned a career best performance with a gallant third to Beauty Generation in the G1 Champions Mile (1600m) at Sha Tin on 29 April, a form line that will ensure he is hard to beat in Singapore.

2

Volkstok’n’barrell

Nine-time winner was runner-up in the G1 New Zealand Derby in 2015 before winning that year’s G1 Rosehill Guineas in Australia. Other feature wins include the G1 Herbie Dyke Stakes. The six-year-old recently finished third in the G1 Zabeel Classic at Ellerslie on 26 December and will be attempting to win this race first-up from a spell.

3

Horse Of Fortune

The South African-bred, Hong Kong-owned seven-year-old boasts nine wins, of which the first three came in South Africa. In Hong Kong, under the guidance of trainer Tony Millard, he has scored another six wins, his last two coming at Group 3 level in the Sa Sa Ladies’ Purse (1800m) in 2016 and the Premier Plate (1800m) in 2017.

4

Ocean Emperor

Trained by Gary Hennessy in New Zealand, the handler who prepared 2012 Cox Plate winner Ocean Park, Ocean Emperor is a six-year-old who has won seven races, including two at Group 2 level. He showed his class winning the Tauranga Stakes (1600m) last November and then the Japan New Zealand International Trophy (1600m) at his last start, at Matamata on 24 March. He arrives in good form and has the class to figure in the finish.

5

Circuit Land

Former Hong Kong-based galloper who is now under the care of Australian Hall Of Fame trainer Lee Freedman in Singapore. Had previously only ever won at Class 2 and Class 3 level in Hong Kong but was placed at G2 and G3 level. Wasted no time making his mark in Singapore winning the G2 Chairman’s Trophy over 1600m at Kranji and in doing so established himself as one of the best chances of a local victory.

6

Elite Excalibur

Former Australian galloper who is rated in the top bracket of local middle-distance horses. Recently captured the G3 Committee’s Prize over 1600m in March. Last start he turned in the run of the race behind Circuit Land in the G2 Chairman’s Trophy over 1600m, when he was held up at a crucial stage approaching the home bend before charging home in the fastest final 400m sectional time (22.02 sec) for 3rd. Has the class to win at this level.

7

Infantry

Singapore’s reigning Horse of the Year and nine-time winner who was narrowly beaten in the G2 Chairman’s Trophy over 1600m when he travelled on speed, surged to the lead and was cut down late. Has the services of champion jockey Vlad Duric. Won this race last year and must be rated a winning chance.

8

Preditor

Improving type who was 5th in the G1 Singapore Derby last year to Infantry. Recently turned in a career best performance when 4th in the G2 Chairman’s Trophy over 1600m behind Circuit Land. Appears to be just below the top bracket of horses and will struggle to figure in the finish.

9

Clarton Super

Five-time winner who claimed the G3 Fortune Bowl over 1400m in February before not being disgraced when 7th in the G2 Chairman’s Trophy over 1600m behind Circuit Land. Had no luck last start when caught wide the entire trip but it is hard to seeing him winning against this opposition.

10

Nova Strike

Ultra-consistent five-year-old who appears outclassed at this level. Has only won once over 1600m from 10 starts over the distance and place chances appear best.

11

Maximus

One of the most improved horses in Singapore. Overlook last start when he finished down the track over an unsuitable 1200m trip. Much better suited rising back to 1600m where he is a three-time winner. However, it is worth noting that all six of his wins have come on the AWT surface and he remains winless on the turf.

12

Majestic Moments

Has not won a race since April 2016 but has been placed in some good quality races over the past two seasons. Finished 2nd to Well Done in the G1 Patron’s Bowl over 1600m in 2016 but has struggled with injuries since. Goes well fresh and can run a bold race but a win is unlikely.

13

Iron Man

Former Argentinean galloper who has won 4 times in Singapore at a much lower level than this race. Appears outclassed and faces a tough task.