1

Mr Brightside

Champion galloper who scored a narrow but gutsy victory in the G1 C.F. Orr Stakes (1400m) first-up at this track on 10 February when slowly away.  Has only been out of the minor placings once in five second-up runs. Obviously the one to beat and will again be charging home strongly.

2

Pericles

Trapped wide early in last start in the G1 C.F. Orr Stakes at Caulfield. Failed to quicken but is sure to be improved and is a place chance.

3

Munhamek

Former English and Hong Kong galloper who has been consistent since arriving in Australia. Gets well back in his races but has a big finish. Has a sound record at 1400m, taking out the G3 Gold Rush at Ascot in last December. This isn’t easy.

4

Dom To Shoot

This talented Western Australia galloper hasn’t won at 1400m but is versatile and can race handy. Won the G1 Northerly Stakes (1800m) at penultimate start. Is fresh for this but yet to win first-up. Tough task.

5

Nugget

Former UK galloper yet to win at 1400m and goes into this race first-up since last October. Hasn’t won since putting together three successive victories in 2022. Capable of a place in this type of field and usually runs well fresh.

6

Buffalo River

A front-running 1400m specialist who excels at Caulfield.  Was a surprise third at last start to Mr Brightside in the G1 C.F. Orr Stakes when he went down by just 0.3L. Will need to repeat that effort but the distance and track add to his chances of an upset.
 

7

Attrition

Lightly raced entry who broke through for his maiden G1 in the Toorak Handicap (1600m) at his last start in last October at this track. The 1400m is ideal first-up and he is capable of a big finish. The one to challenge Mr Brightside.
 

8

Hey Fat Cat

A late entry. The 3YO has won two of his eight starts at a much lower grade. Has been okay in past two at G2 and G3 level but this is a tough assignment at this stage of the gelding’s young career.