1 |
Happy Trails |
Contests this race for the fifth year straight. Well beaten 10th behind Winx last year but was beaten less than one length in two previous years, 6th behind Adelaide and 2nd behind Shamus Award. Late sectionals were sound when 7.6 lengths 5th to Hartnell in the G 1 Turnbull Stakes (2000m) at Flemington at only second run this season. |
2 |
Black Heart Bart |
Remarkably consistent galloper who has four wins and five seconds from his past nine starts (since joining this stable). Not won beyond 1800m. Won the G 1 Underwood Stakes at that distance on 24 September from He or She and Lucia Valentina (by 2.5 lengths and a nose). Then ran 2 lengths 2nd to champion mare Winx, in field of three, in the G 1 Caulfield Stakes (2000m) on 8 October. |
3 |
Hartnell |
Much improved galloper who has won past three starts by total of 15.75 lengths since his first-up 3.5 lengths 2nd to Winx in the G 2 Warwick Stakes (1400m) at Randwick on 20 August. Last start was 3.25 lengths winner from Jameka, who then won Caulfield Cup, in the G 1 Turnbull Stakes (2000m) on 2 October. Finished behind Winx in their three clashes including this race last year. |
4 |
Hauraki |
Impressive in three runs this season. Won G 2 Tramway Stakes at 1400 metres first-up before 1.3 lengths 2nd to Winx in the G 1 George Main Stakes (1600m) at Randwick on 17 September. Then came from last on turn to win G 1 Epsom Handicap (1600m) by a nose from Dibayani at Randwick on 1 October. Rise in distance no issue. |
5 |
Happy Clapper |
Sound effort at third run this season when 0.6 lengths 4th to Hauraki in the G 1 Epsom Handicap (1600m) at Randwick on 1 October. Finished 2.8 lengths third behind Lucia Valentina in G 1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes at only attempt at 2000m, in April this year, on soft ground. That followed two lengths second to Winx in the G 1 Doncaster Mile when he had significant advantage at weights. |
6 |
Vadamos |
Andre Fabre trained French visitor who comes here off two excellent performances at home. Ran 0.5 lengths 2nd to top three-year-old Ribchester in the G 1 Jacques Le Marois (1600m) at Deauville on 14 August. Then won by 1.3 lengths from Spectre in the G 1 Prix du Moulin du Longchamps (1600m) at Chantilly on 11 September. |
7 |
Awesome Rock |
Good performance to win Group 2 at 1600m this track on 3 September before 3.5 lengths 5th to Black Heart Bart in G 1 Underwood Stakes (1800m) at Caulfield on 24 September. Then back to 1600m and closed late when 1.5 lengths 5th to He��s Our Rokkii in G 1 Toorak Handicap on 8 October. Lost the G 1 Australian Cup (2000m) on protest in March but needs career best to win here. |
8 |
Winx |
Champion mare who won this race last year by 4.75 lengths in track record time. Has won her past 12 starts including eight at Group 1 level. Latest was comfortable two lengths win from Black Heart Bart in the G 1 Caulfield Stakes (2000m) on 8 October. Obviously the one to beat. |
9 |
Lucia Valentina |
Quality mare who will appreciate the natural cushion in this track. Ran 5.25 lengths fifth behind A Shin Hikari in 2015 LONGINES Hong Kong Cup before returning home to claim the G 1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m) on soft ground at Randwick in April. Finished off well at second run this season when 2.6 lengths 3rd to Black Heart Bart in G 1 Underwood Stakes (1800m) at Caulfield on 24 September. |
10 |
Yankee Rose |
Quality three-year-old filly who seeks to become only the second of that age and gender to win this race (first run in 1922). Impressive when stepped to 2000 metres for the first time at Randwick on 8 October and scored fast finishing half length win from Swear in the G 1 Spring Champion Stakes. Not to be underestimated. |