Pressured on speed when 3.5 lengths 4th to Balf’s Choice in Listed Seymour Cup (1600m) on 22 October and now jumps sharply in trip. Did run 0.75 lengths 2nd to Jon Snow at previous run in G3 JRA Cup at 2040m (with Caulfield Cup winner Boom Time finishing third) and has won up to 2400m. Generally leads. Proven on good and soft ground.
2
Harlem
Lacked clear galloping room in straight when 3.4 lengths 8th to stablemate Boom Time in G1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) on 21 October. Twice a winner at 2400 metres and generally races handy or midfield. Best form on good ground but can handle some give in the track.
3
Havana Cooler
May have finished a little closer with more room late when 5 lengths 6th to Big Duke over 2600m at Randwick on 14 October. Winner at 2400m in the UK and ran third in this race two years ago. Usually ridden off the speed. Capable wet or dry but wins have come on good rated tracks.
4
Aloft
Rider said horse got tongue over bit when 31 lengths 9th to Lord Fandango in G2 Herbert Power (2400m) at Caulfield on 14 October. Previous run was sound 2.95 lengths 3rd to last year’s Melbourne Cup winner Almandin in Listed JRA Trophy at this course and distance on 16 September. Winner up to 3200m and generally races handy to speed.
5
Guardini
Raced handy and battled on fairly when 4.75 lengths 3rd to Dodging Bullets in Moonee Valley 2040m Handicap on 27 October. Twice a winner in Europe at 2400m and may appreciate rise in trip. Has versatile racing style and looks to prefer good ground although has one win to credit on a soft track.
6
Vengeur Masque
Returned to form last start with nose win from Gallic Chieftain in G3 Geelong Cup (2400m) on 25 October when raced on speed. That was on soft ground which he does appreciate. Not incapable on good ground but some rain would assist. Likely to race close to speed.
7
Cismontane
Front-runner who backs up from last Saturday when 0.6 lengths 3rd to Who Shot Thebarman in G2 Moonee Valley Cup (2500m) on 28 October. Capable all conditions and always a threat if allowed easy run in front.
8
Pentathlon
Battled on fairly last week when 2.8 lengths 6th of seven behind Who Shot Thebarman in G2 Moonee Valley Cup (2500m). Not won since December 2015. Generally ridden back in his races and best form has been on good ground.
9
Alward
Won twice at 2000m before latest 0.3 lengths 2nd to Destiny’s Kiss in Listed Tattersalls Cup (2400m) at Randwick on 21 October. Generally races handy to the lead. All wins have been on good ground but handles soft as was the case at most recent run.
10
Kellstorm
Made ground late when 1.85 lengths 6th to Vengeur Masque in G3 Geelong Cup (2400m) on 25 October. That followed 2.1 lengths 3rd to Amelie’s Star in G3 Bart Cummings at this course and distance on 7 October. Strong finisher racing well. At best on soft and heavy ground.
