1

Eyes Wide Open

Won the G1 Premiers Champion Stakes (1600m) as a juvenile but had a few injuries later on. However, bounced back to form with a very impressive win in the G2 Peninsula Handicap (1800m) this season.

2

Tap O' Noth

Attempting to become the first horse since 1992 to pull off the G1 Cape Guineas and G1 Cape Derby double. He has raced five times for four wins and a close up third and has a good draw. There is a question mark over his ability to stay 2000m. 

3

White River

Flew up from the back of the field in both the G2 Selangor Cup (1600m) and G1 Cape Guineas (1600m) to finish a 0.5L second in both. Crying out for the extra 400m.

4

Like A Panther

Mike de Kock-trained runner who has been earmarked for this race. Another who flew up late in the G1 Cape Guineas and finished a 1.8L third. Has won over the distance and has Anton Marcus up.

5

Pack Leader

Stable companion to Eyes Wide Open who has been putting up some excellent work at home. Anthony Delpech takes the ride on the son of Philanthropist, who has found the line nicely at his last two.

6

Kimberley Star

Comes from the Eastern Cape and has not taken on this level of competition. This will be his first run beyond 1400m but on breeding should stay.

7

Do It Again

Was the talked about horse before the G1 Cape Guineas but although trainer Justin Snaith was more bullish about his charge's Derby hopes, a decent run was expected. He ran an inexplicably moderate race for ninth, but with Bernard Fayd'Herbe up, deserves respect over this distance.

8

Opera Royal

Has not shaped against this level of competition. From the same stable as Eyes Wide Open and Pack Leader but has plenty to find on his exposed form.

9

Steel Rose

His 3.5L third behind Doublemint in the G3 Politician Stakes (1800m) on 6 January brings him into contention. Looks to have something to find though.

10

Spring Man

Placed in his first three starts and has since scored two victories but against a lower level of horse than what he meets here.

11

The Sun Also Rises

Stayed on well enough to finish second behind Doublemint in the G3 Politician Stakes over 1800m. Did win over the course and distance in December.

12

Visigoth

Champion Trainer Sean Tarry believes his charge has been looking for this sort of distance, but he is coming out of weaker races.

13

Silver Coin

Very expensive yearling who won on debut but then lost form. He improved with gelding and won his first start back, but over 1400m. He could be a lot better than his current rating and he is bred to see out the distance.
 

14

What A Joker

Has only raced in weaker company. He will need massive improvement to trouble his rivals.

15

Fresnaye

The only filly in the race. She finished third in both the G1 Fillies Guineas and G1 Paddock Stakes. Badly drawn but has a top jockey in Piere Strydom.