1

Gold Trip

Last year’s winner, who is again in top form after winning the G1 Turnbull Stakes (2000m), was third in the G1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) and fifth in the G1 Cox Plate (2040m), beaten 1.4L. Can win this again.

2

Alenquer

Showed top quality in Europe but has been disappointing in his five Australian runs. Will need to improve sharply to give retiring jockey Damien Oliver glory in his last Cup ride.

3

Without A Fight

Recent G1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) winner who finished 21L 13th in last year’s Melbourne Cup. Distance is still a slight query but is primed to complete rare Cups double.

4

Breakup

The Japanese visitor failed to make up ground in the last 800m of the G1 Caulfield Cup (2400m), finishing 5.7L eighth. The rise to 3200m and a firm track enhance his chances.

5

Vauban

First Australian start. Has earnt favouritism with 7.5L win at Royal Ascot over 2831m and mostly recently scored a G3 over 2384m at Naas. Hard to beat.

6

Soulcombe

Continually slow away and missed the G1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) start by 4L, finishing 5.5L seventh. Top chance if he gets away okay.

7

Absurde

First Australian run for Irish raider. Is a 4000m hurdle winner and most recently got a golden ticket into the Cup with the Ebor Handicap (2771m) victory at York. Place hope.

8

Right You Are 

Has only been unplaced once at this track in six tries. Ran a big race in G1 Caulfield Cup (2400m), finishing 4.15L fifth. Yet to be tested beyond 2400m but is on the up.

9

Vow And Declare

Has won only one race since claiming the 2019 Melbourne Cup. His form has been good in past two races with consecutive seconds at G1 and G2 level. Hard to wind back the clock.

10

Cleveland

Was impressive in the G2 Moonee Valley Gold Cup (2500m) with a 0.75L win. Is finding form at the right time and is a winner at 3749m at Chester in the UK. Worth consideration.

11

Ashrun

Was off the scene for almost three years after finishing 10th in the 2020 Melbourne Cup. Has had three comeback runs, including a close second in G3 Geelong Cup (2400m). Consider.

12

Daqiansweet Junior

Caught the eye with a big run in last year’s Melbourne Cup when he was back in the field at the 800m and finished sixth, beaten 7.25L. Hasn’t done much since, but is a 3200m winner.

13

Okita Soushi

Was big odds in the G1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) and performed accordingly but was slow to begin and did encounter some problems. Not keen.

14

Sheraz

Best on a wet track and is yet to win in Australia. The former French galloper was okay in the G2 Moonee Valley Gold Cup (2500m), running on to finish eighth, beaten 1.95L. Others are better.

15

Lastotchka

Former French stayer making her Australian debut. Distance shouldn’t be a worry as she is a Group 3 winner at home over 2800m and 3100m. Likes soft going.

16

Magical Lagoon

Led in the G3 Geelong Cup (2400m) and battled on well to finish sixth, beaten 1.1L. Has won in Ireland in G1 Irish Oaks (2414m) but the 3200m is a query.

17

Military Mission

Impressive winner of the G2 Herbert Power Stakes (2400m) at Caulfield at his last start. Is consistent but untried at the distance. Has some claims.

18

Serpentine

Recent form, including last start third at Flemington in G3 The Bart Cummings (2520m), has been good. Finished a mile off them after setting the pace in last year’s Cup. Would need to improve a lot.

19

Virtuous Circle

Hasn’t won for over a year, but did go close with a second in the G1 Australian Derby (2400m) in April. Goes better in the wet and recent form isn’t good enough.

20

More Felons

Creates some interest after a good run in the G3 Geelong Cup (2400m) when beaten less than a length in fifth position after working home strongly. Is G2 placed at 3382m in the UK.

21

Future History

Continues to improve and gained Cup start with G3 Bart Cummings (2520m) here when couldn’t be overhauled. Distance rise is ideal and is a threat with lightweight.

22

Interpretation

His G3 Bendigo Cup victory earnt him a penalty and a spot in the Cup. He failed to finish in last year’s Cup and hasn’t lived up to expectations at this stage.

23

Kalapour

Won a golden ticket into the Cup with 0.3L victory in G3 Lexus Archer Stakes (Hotham Handicap) (2500m) at Flemington on 4 November. Had good form leading into the race, but will need to back-up quickly. Only rough claims.

24

True Marvel

Distance won’t be a problem but has been disappointing since finishing a surprise second in the G1 Sydney Cup (3200m) in April at huge odds. Others much better.