1

Gold Trip

Last year’s Melbourne Cup (3200m) winner who showed signs of lameness the day after finishing well back in the Sydney Cup in April. Resumed after a long spell at Moonee Valley with a fast-finishing fourth and then flew home to win G1 Turnbull (2000m) at Flemington at odds. Second in this race last year and hard to beat.

2

Without A Fight

Extremely talented former international galloper who recaptured form with G2 and G3 victories at Eagle Farm before drawing out at his first crack at Caulfield when he finished 2.25L sixth at short odds. Will be vastly improved and the trip is ideal.

3

Breakup

Any horse from Japan has to be respected. Hasn’t had any lead-up races in Australia and last raced at home in June when finished 12th, beaten 7.1L in the G1 Takarazuka Kinen (2200m) by the world’s highest rated horse, Equinox. Will be on pace and is big watch.

4

Montefilia

Back for her third crack at the Cup. Had no luck last year when steadied between runners and then was checked badly. Finished fourth, beaten just over a length. Goes into this with good Sydney form, including last start G2 1900m win, and she is again in the mix.

5

Francesco Guardi

Expected to make plenty of improvement from his 5.05L seventh in the G1 Turnbull when his jockey suspected the gelding might have peaked in his run at the 200m mark. Is certainly in with a show.

6

West Wind Blows

English raider who ran a solid second in his first Australian run to Gold Trip in the Turnbull Stakes. Raced wide during the early and middle stages before gaining a position closer the rail at the 600m mark. Rider dropped whip near the 300m mark. Will again be in the finish.

7

Nonconformist

Last three races have all been at Caulfield but hasn’t fired, with his best result fourth in the G1 Might And Power Stakes (2000m), beaten 6L. in a race where he wasn’t suited by chasing. Stable remains confident of an improved performance if he backs-up.

8

Soulcombe

Versatile galloper who has been in good form. Got home nicely to finish third beaten 2.15L in the G1 Turnbull Stakes (2000m) and before that was a narrow fourth in the G1 Underwood Stakes (1800m). Was slow away in the Turnbull and was held up at the 400m.Will be closing quickly and rates highly.

9

Duke De Sessa

Former international who has had three runs in Australia which have all been okay but hasn’t been a winning chance in any of them. Pulled a bit during the middle stages of the Turnbull Stakes. A tongue tie will be applied for the first time for the Cup. A yielding track would suit.

10

Hoo Ya Mal

Big run to finish second to Montefilia at his last start in the G2 Hill Stakes, beaten just over 0.5L. Led at the 400m. Wandered about late in the race.  Certainly not the roughest for a place.

11

Right You Are

Goes okay at the track and the rise to 2400m suits. Won at his only try at this journey earlier this year in the Listed Mornington Cup which rewarded him a ballot-free entry into this race. Yet to show he is up to this calibre.

12

Emissary

Not travelling well enough to challenge in this. Last win was in the 2022 G3 Geelong Cup (2400m). He has been big odds at this past two and ran accordingly. Needs to find several lengths to improve into the finish.

13

Goldman

Former New Zealander who bet Soulcombe in the Listed Roy Higgins (2600m) in March to complete a hat-trick of wins since arriving in Australia. Has had three trials and three runs back from a spell and they have been fair performances. Over-raced in his last run in the G3 Bart Cummings (2520m) and is open to improvement.

14

Okita Soushi

Another Joseph O’Brien runner who was beaten 6.5L at his last run in the G3 Irish St Leger Trial Stakes (2800m) in August when finished third of four runners. Before that won over 2392m at Royal Ascot. Has plenty of ability but this isn’t an easy assignment.

15

Fame

Broke his maiden status over 1850m at Kyneton in April and then won at Moe (2050m) before finishing second in the G1 Queensland Derby (2400m).  Last two runs have been just okay and it’s difficult to envisage a place for him this contest.

16

Bois D’Argent

Entitled to go around at big odds. Doesn’t win out of turn these days and needs to find many lengths to pose a significant threat.

17

Spirit Ridge

Consistent galloper who ran a narrow second at most recent start in the G1 The Metropolitan (2400m) at big odds. Is going well but probably not up to the top fancies at this stage of his veteran career.

18

Valiant King

Visiting Irishman Joseph O’Brien’s gelding has raced just seven times and won his maiden at home over 2000m on soft going in May. He is G3-placed at 2384m and was unplaced at his most recent start. Has only been out of the money twice and creates some interest.

Reserve

19

United Nations

Is down at the bottom of the weights with Valiant King. Is lightly-raced and always shown staying potential. Ran second at this track and distance in the G2 Herbert Power Stakes at last start, beaten less than 1L. With race handy but this a big step-up in class.