Gr 1 – The Metrop

Big weight but he is all class and is a big race star. Very fit now. Should be right at home in this and no surprise to see him win comfortably. On home patch here too which helps.

Tough as old boots stayer who is suited to this class and trip. Won the Gr 1 Sydney Cup over 3200m last prep in very fast time. Gets the fast track here too and is ready to run a blinder.

Can stay and has class when right but did not stretch out final 200m last start behind Birdman. That’s a concern as this track will be very fast. Not keen.

Will be on pace all the way and will take running down. Is very strong. And now very fit. Lumped 59kg to lead all the way 2400m Tatts Cup beating Travolta who had 53kg. Big show.

Generally is a big-time performer and is trained here. Is Gr 1 placed but his recent form is woeful. Not keen this year.

Seems back better than ever and looks a weighted special. Fought on brilliantly over last 150m to narrowly win the Gr 3 Kingston Town over 2000m in fast time and drops 3.5kg. Bad draw so Kerrin has a job to do getting in but if he does, this is one of the major players. Has won at 2600m.

Badly drawn and just didn’t do enough in fast run Gr 3 over 2000m behind Birdman last start. Does drop 5kg and is fitter but not all that keen.

Very good Irish-born stayer who has won 4 on the bounce including a crucial lead-up last at Newcastle. Ticks a lot of boxes and is in terrific form. Should settle in the top 5 or so.

Caught the eye last start when flashing home from a mile back into 3rd spot. Must certainly strip fitter here and carries no weight. Has each way claims.

Good mare with a genuine lightweight chance. Carried 55.5kg to grind out a solid Gr 3 over 2400m in strong time at Rosehill last start. This is harder but she is in form and carries now eight.

Led and run down last start over 2100m in the Wyong Cup, finishing close-up 3rd to Saltcoats. Extra trip and plenty of midrace pressure will make it tough for him.

Meets the smart Soul Of Spain 2kg better for a half-length loss last start in the Gr 3 Newcastle Cup. Recent form is very handy and races near the lead. Carries no weight and could sneak a place.

Has a rough place chance because he’s won over 2500m and last start plugged on well when 4th in the Newcastle Cup. Drops 6.5kg here.

Draw is a bit awkward, but isn’t the roughest. Is 2nd up here after a fair 6th in the Newcastle Cup last start where he actually made ground like. Must be fitter and drops 5kg. Won Grafton Cup last prep.

Longest win was over 2000m and in weaker class. Unplaced in weaker race last start. Not keen.

Very honest and will be on speed for a long way. Problem is he’s never won past 2011m and that was in weaker grade. Did run 3rd to Soul Of Spain in the Newcastle Cup last start. Honest type but this is hard.

Hmmm. Likes to race on pace but will have to work from this draw. Dooes drop 5.5kg on last start close 2nd to Piggyback in the Gr 3 Colin Stephen in solid time. Lightweight hope if he gets in and races with cover.

Led at a solid clip last start and fought on well when 4th to Piggyback in the Gr. 3. Drops 5.5kg and is fitter but finding the front will be hard as there are a few who go forward. Did run 2nd in Gr 1 this track earlier this year at $51.