Newcastle Hunter

Blotted his copybook a bit last start in what was a much stronger race. Previously had run Rothfire to a nose at Randwick. At his best, he is a definite threat here but has drawn a tad awkwardly.

Stablemate to Iownamerc. Drawn very well and has been freshened for this. Looks the dark horse as he is dropping in grade from two tough WFA races this time up. Last prep, he was an impressive winner of the Winter Challenge at Rosehill over 1500m under 60kg when on speed all the way. Keep safe.

Looks to have come back in as good a shape as ever. Is 3rd up here and is ready to rock the house. Has raced 5 times here for 2 wins and 3 placings, including a win in this very race in record time under 56.5kg in 2023. Last year, he also ran in the race and was a game 3rd under 59kg. Looks well placed, has a great draw and looms very large.

Stablemate to Coal Crusher, and is in super form. Carried 60kg to lead all the way over 1500m in BM 100 at Rosehill then eased up before resuming with a paralysing finishing burst under 63kg to win another BM 100 last start over 1100m. Weight doesn’t stop him, but draw is a worry here. Big show if he runs up to his best and gets cover early.

Has the talent to win this but gee, he is inconsistent. Hasn’t won for some time. Did run a good 4th this grade 2 starts back.

Form is horrible. But blinkers go back on for this race. On his day he is better than these. He just hasn’t shown it for a long time. Weakened out of it in a tougher race last start. Is 3rd up here and I expect a much better showing. Could even win a big odds.

Hasn’t been far away in 3 starts this time up. Beaten 2 lengths behind Rothfire in fast 1200m time last start. This trip suits and he could sneak a place at good odds.

Drawn perfectly. Is trained here and loves this distance. Last start moved up to win but anchored last 100m by big weight when beaten less than a length by Estadio Mestalla over 1100m. Has won up to 1250m and home track and good draw give him a chance.

Horrow draw and probably goes rearward looking to slot in. Is a Gr 2 winning German mare who hasn’t raced in Australia yet, nor has she raced in over a year. Has trialled well but seems to like it a little longer.

Queensland galloper who is very tough and is the kind who could sneak a place here at big odds. Will be thereabouts all the way.

Drawn perfectly and looms large because he is 2nd up and generally goes well 2nd up. Hit the front with 100m to go last start and caught in last bound by his stablemate Estadio Mestalla over 1100m. Led and beaten a nose by Robusto over 1500m before spelling. Is ready to run a bottler.

Very good mare this journey when in form. Is a Gr 2 NZ winner and a Gr 3 Aussie winner already. Looked good winning recent trial. Resumes here but generally is very good first up. Watch betting.

Old timer who likes to lead while fresh and he resumes here. Will find this a bit hard but does improve a lot when track is damp.

Looks to be very good. Has won 6 of his 8 starts and placed twice in the others. Resumes from a spell in the hardest race he has been in, but his trial win a week or so back suggests he is flying. I see him midfield till they turn, finding the centre of the track and charging very hard with this light weight. Big, big danger.

Tough draw but is 3rd up and now ready to fire. Will get back as she often does and does have a strong finish. No surprise to see her dash late into a place.

Outstanding mare and in form. Can run very fast time and with this light weight that is a major advantage. Won the $2million Kosciuszko last start 1200m when resuming in time that would have run 3rd in the Gr 1 Everest on that same day. Respect her.

Is fast early but not really a contender late in this type of race.

Is handy but this should test. Carried 6kg less than Estadio Mestalla last start and was beaten 2 lengths by him. Carries 5.5kg less this time. Not likely.