1

Mr Brightside

Class galloper, yet to win at 2000m or beyond but just beaten in last year’s W.S Cox Plate (2040m). Got back too far at last start at 1600m when lost to Pride of Jenni by 2L in All-Star Mile. The one to beat.

2

Cascadian

Won this race last year. Worked home strongly to finish third at last start in the All-Star Mile (1600m), beaten 3L. Will appreciate strong pace of race and expect him to be charging home late.

3

Vow And Declare

Veteran galloper who has only won once since claiming the 2019 Melbourne Cup (3200m). Has run a lot of places and recent form is good. Just beaten at most recent start in G2 1800m. Likes Flemington and is a place chance.

4

Dom To Shoot

Scored his maiden G1 victory in the Northerly Stakes (1800m) in Western Australia in December. His past two Melbourne runs in the G1 Futurity Stakes (1400m) and All-Star Mile (1600m) have been sound, but this is tougher.

5

Young Werther

Performs well at Flemington where he has been placed four times at G1 level and is a 2000m winner. Won his last start at Flemington over 1800m by 2.5L when he led. Must respect.

6

Esti Feny

Former Hungarian galloper who has won one race – last year’s Listed Gosford Gold Cup (2100m) – since arriving in Australia in 2020. Ran okay at his latest outing over 1800m when 2.9L third. Needs to find many lengths to be competitive.

7

Pride of Jenni

Brave front-running mare who is in career best form. Has raced only once at 2000m when she led and faded on a heavy track. Sure to take plenty of running down after All-Star Mile win.

8

Atishu

Last start winner of G2 Blamey Stakes (1600m) at Flemington. Won the G1 VRC Champions Stakes (2000m) here last November. Multiple Group winner who profiles well for this race and is rated a big danger at a track she thrives at.

9

Legarto

Classy visiting New Zealand mare who has only been out of the top three spots twice in 14 starts. Has been set for this race and already a G1 Flemington 1600m and 2000m winner at home. Big threat to the top fancies.