Sound on-pace effort when nose 2nd to Volkstok'n'barrell in G1 Rosehill Guineas (2000m) on 21 March at third run back from spell. Had two runs this distance range for nose 2nd in Geelong Classic (2200m) and G1 Victoria Derby win (2500m) at Flemington last November. Strong claims.
2
Volkstok'n'barrell
Boasts six wins, three placing from nine starts. Ran 1 lengths 2nd to Mongolian Khan in G1 New Zealand Derby at this distance (2400m) on 28 February before closing nose win from Preferment (with Mongolian Khan fifth) in G1 Rosehill Guineas at 2000m. Proven good and soft ground.
3
Mongolian Khan
Won five in a row in New Zealand including the G1 NZ Derby at this distance before 6.2 lengths 5th to Volkstok'n'barrell in the 2000m G1 Rosehill Guineas. Vet reported no abnormality last time but run maybe best forgiven and this distance suits.
4
Hampton Court
Getting fitter but has to improve. Beaten 7.2 lengths in the Rosehill Guineas before taking on older horses in last Saturday's G1 The BMW (2400m) and finishing 7.1 lengths 9th behind Hartnell after leading.
5
Hauraki
Impressed when stepped up to 2000m last Saturday and won the G2 Tulloch Stakes by 2.5 lengths from Omeros. Godolphin runner who looks to be the improving wildcard.
6
Quick Strike
Encouraging effort last start when improved from 12th at the 400m to finish 4.2 lengths 4th to Hauraki in the G2 Tulloch Stakes at 2000m. Looks like longer trip will be to his liking.
7
Omeros
Lightly raced and looks open to further improvement. Having just third career start when 2.5 lengths 2nd to Hauraki in the G2 Tulloch Stakes (2000m) after settling midfield. Moreira takes ride.
8
Ruling Dynasty
Boasts two wins at 2000m and 2100m. Came from near last on home turn when 5.1 lengths 5th to Hauraki in G2 Tulloch Stakes (2000m) last Saturday.
9
Bikila
Improved from last mid-race when 7.4 lengths 7th to Chill Party in the G2 Alister Clark Stakes (2040m) at Moonee Valley on 20 March. Likely to be big odds but trainer won this race with 14/1 chance Ethiopia, who also came through Alister Clark Stakes, in 2012.
10
Brogue
Scored front-running win in Hawkesbury 1800m Maiden before dropping out late to finish 13.8 lengths 14th behind Hauraki in the G2 Tulloch Stakes last Saturday. Norton bit goes on for first time.
