1

Junoob

Showed a return to form last time when head 2nd to Ruling Dynasty (also entered this race) in the Listed Tatts Cup (2400m) at Randwick on 17 October. Hasn’t won since September last year but usually competitive in these type of races.

2

Hawkspur

Impressed last time when improved from last at the 800m to finish 2.5 lengths 3rd to Let’s Make Adeal in the G3 The Bart Cummings at this course and distance on 4 October. The subsequent Caulfield Cup third Our Ivanhowe was second in that race.

3

Excess Knowledge

Consistent stayer who was beaten a head behind Black Tomahawk in Listed 2400m race at Caulfield on 26 September before 3 lengths 2nd to the highly impressive Amralah in the G2 Herbert Power Handicap over the same course and distance on 10 October.

4

Elhaame

Saeed bin Surror-trained Godolphin runner who must win here to secure a place in next Tuesday’s Melbourne Cup field. Not raced since scoring successive wins at around 2100m at York and Doncaster in August and September. Extra distance no concern.

5

Chance To Dance

Import who has performed well in four runs in Australia. Latest was 3.2 lengths 5th to Magic Hurricane in the G1 The Metropolitan (2400m) at Randwick on 3 October. That looks sound form for this and jockey Craig Williams stays with him.

6

Havana Cooler

Lightly raced and promising stayer imported from the UK. Ran on strongly when 2.2 lengths 3rd to stablemate Magic Hurricane in the G1 The Metropolitan (2400m) at Randwick on 3 October.

7

Ruling Dynasty

Sound effort to win the Listed Tatts Cup (2400m) at Randwick on 17 October by a head from Junoob and Prince Cheri. Junoob does meet him on 3lb better terms but this horse probably still open to further improvement.

8

Bohemian Lily

Front-running mare likely to be suited at this track. Ran 4 lengths 3rd to Amralah and stablemate Excess Knowledge in G2 Herbert Power Handicap at 2400m on 10 October before 4 lengths 3rd to The United States in G2 Moonee Valley Gold Cup (2500m) last Saturday.

9

Thunder Lady

Ran on well when 1.5 lengths 2nd to Araldo Junior in 2046m Benalla Cup on 2 October before 4.45 lengths 6th to Stratum Star in G3 David Jones Cup (2000m) at Caulfield on 17 October. Had little luck in running last start and ready for longer trip.

10

Ethiopia

Won the 2012 ATC Derby but has not won a race before or since. However his recent form has been OK and did run on well in closing stages when 5.5 lengths 6th to Almoonqith in G 3 Geelong Cup (2400m) on 21 October.

11

Manalapan

Imported gelding having his first run in Australia for local trainer Ciaron Maher (formerly Dermot Weld). Hasn’t raced since September when sixth of seven behind Scottish in 2000m Listed race at Ayr in UK.

12

Zanteca

Racing well but faces significant step up in class. Raced handy to win Geelong 2400m BM 78 race on 21 October from much weaker opposition than confronts here.

13

High Midnight

Ran on well when 0.5 lengths 2nd to Zayam in Rosehill 1800m BM 75 race on 30 September before caught wide throughout when 4.6 lengths 7th to Stratum Star in G3 David Jones Cup (2000m) at Caulfield on 17 October. Possible improver.