Found the 1300m too short when 5.5 lengths 7th to Holler in G1 Canterbury Stakes at Randwick on 5 March. That was first run since December when 7.5 lengths 9th to A Shin Hikari in G1 Hong Kong Cup. Runner-up to Winx in last year’s Cox Plate. Relishes soft ground.
2
Mongolian Khan
Ran 0.6 lengths 3rd to Criterion in last October’s G1 Caulfield Stakes at this distance before winning the G1 Caulfield Cup at 2400m. Failed and pulled up with low recovery rate at first run this year, finishing 7 lengths 11th behind Winx in the G1 Chipping Norton Stakes on 27 February. Capable wet or dry.
3
Dibayani
Former HK galloper who impressed last time when raced on speed and held on well to finish 1.5 lengths 2nd to Winx in the G1 Chipping Norton Stakes (1600m) at Randwick on 27 February. Looks well placed here. Has won on good and soft ground.
4
Hauraki
Ran on well when 2.5 lengths 3rd to Winx in the G1 Chipping Norton Stakes (1600m) at Randwick on 27 February. Suited by the rise in distance and progressing well this campaign. Very soft ground could be a concern.
5
The United States
Ready for step up in trip after strong 0.4 lengths 2nd to He Or She in the G2 Blamey Stakes (1600m) at Flemington last Saturday. Beat last year’s Melbourne Cup winner Prince Of Penzance in 2500m Moonee Valley Cup last October. Ok all conditions.
6
Weary
Needs to improve but rain affected ground might give him the chance to do that. Second run this year when 5.1 lengths 8th to It’s Somewhat in the G2 Ajax Stakes (1500m) at Rosehill on 12 March.
7
Storm The Stars
Irish Derby runner-up to Jack Hobbs in 2015. Had first run since September and first in Australia when 5.1 lengths 7th to Winx and Dibayani in the G1 Chipping Norton Stakes (1600m) at Randwick on 27 February. Longer trip suits and soft ground doesn’t look any concern.
8
Kool Kompany
Former UK galloper who made late ground when 2.5 lengths 8th to Charlie Boy in the G3 Liverpool City Cup (1300m) at Randwick on 27 February. Winner up to 1609m in the UK and handles all track conditions.
9
Bohemian Lily
Fair effort at second run this year when 5.4 lengths 5th to Libran in Listed Randwick City Stakes (2000m) on 5 March. Might need 2400m plus but not hopeless.
