1

Tannhauser

Comes off G3 victory in the Rough Habit Plate (2000m) when scored by 1.12L. Gets back but runs on strongly. Yet to be tried beyond 2000m but rise in distance is ideal. Major player.
 

2

Warmonger

Highly-rated gelding who comes into calculations after three solid performances, including recent 1.3L second in South Australian Derby (2500m) when he began awkwardly. Gets back early but charges home late. Big watch.

3

Encoder

Past three runs have been disappointing. Raced handier last start when dropped back in class to finish sixth, beaten 3.66L in 2180m handicap. Has won at G3 level over 2100m, but needs to find rapid improvement.

4

Gold Bullion

Tends to mix his form and was no match for Tannhauser and Autumn Angel in the Rough Habit Plate (2000m) when 4.45L eighth after failing to quicken. Was previously close second in G3 Frank Packer Plate (2000m). This is a lot tougher.

5

Navy King

Stepped up to 2000m at his past two runs, finishing fourth at Caulfield and then winning at Flemington by 1.5L when raced handy. This is a big rise in class but he looms as a likely improver at the distance.

6

Kirikan

Form has tapered off this campaign and has struggled to make any impact at past three runs, including 10 of 16, beaten 6.84L, in G3 Rough Habit Plate when held up rounding the home turn. Needs to find more.

7

Felix The Scat

Raced wide throughout when showed vast improvement to finish fourth, beaten 2.96L, in Rough Habit Plate (2000m) at huge odds. Needs to improve again to trouble the top few.

8

Sonofdec

Has won his past two over 1500m and 1700m at a much lower grade including his last win by 2.97L against his older rivals. He unleashed a big finish from last in the field. Distance shouldn’t be a problem.

9

Bullets High

Last start winner at Warwick Farm in BM72 handicap when scored by 0.09L over 2130m at short odds. Is bred to get a trip but is yet to tackle opposition of this quality in a much tougher race.

10

Agita

Won two of his first three races in August last year. Has since been placed twice. Hasn’t been far of them at past two when tackling 1800m for the first time. Had trouble getting clear running for 200m to 400m at latest. Distance rise suits.

11

Warialda Warrior

Not disgraced in the G3 Rough Habit Plate (2000m) when sixth, beaten 3.38L after coming home strongly from well back in the field at odds. Will need to reach another level to be in the finish.

12

First Innings

Had odds for the Derby massively slashed after eye-catching victory at Australian debut over 2180m at Ipswich. The Kiwi came from last from the outside barrier to win by 2.17L. Big watch.

13

Shy Guy

Has won at maiden grade over 1690m. Form was poor before improved run at Ipswich when third behind First Innings over 2180m, beaten 3.16L.  Held up at home turn. Came from well back which is against his usual racing pattern to finish strongly. Hard to have.

14

Saban

Likely improver. Came out of a Cranbourne 2025m victory to then finish second at Flemington, beaten 1.5L by Navy King. This a big rise in class but can be competitive.

15

Anderson Bridge

Was unplaced in two Group races over 2000m before dropping in grade where he again struggled to make an impact. Will need to improve massively on last start fourth, beaten 3.61L at 2130m.

16

Purveyor

Was massive odds at last start when ninth, beaten 6.38L in Rough Habit Plate (2000m). There are much easier races for him at this stage of his career.

17

Moonlight Magic

Broke her maiden at most recent start in the G3 Trelawney Stud Championship Stakes (2100m) in New Zealand when she came from last. This is a big step-up in class but had been unlucky in previous runs. Place chance at odds.

18

Autumn Angel

Brilliant mare who came from well back to finish second to Tannhauser by 1.12L at last start in Rough Habit Plate (2000m)after winning the G1 ATC Oaks (2400m). Is best suited at this trip and will benefit from a good draw. Hard to beat.

Reserves

19

Mannerheim

Well-beaten at last start in the Rough Habit Plate (2000m) when lost a hind plate. Although distance rise should suit, he has been just okay in much easier races.

20

Misterkipchoge

Former New Zealand galloper who showed good form when second to First Innings at Ipswich over 2180m when highly fancied in the markets. Likely improver at the distance.

21

Saxon Brave

Has finished sixth and second in the two starts since breaking his maiden status. A front runner who will find the opposition way too strong if he sneaks into the field.

22

Kadavar

Well-beaten at his last start in the Rough Habit Plate (2000m) when beat three home. Has been okay in weaker races. This is too hard.

23

Kairos Louie

Withdrawn