Preview – The Gong

SCRATCHED

Bounced back to best form with solid come from the rear win at Hawkesbury in the mud over 1500m. This is harder but he has proven in the past that he can run with these. Does mix his form though.

Is probably the best horse in the field but has been mixing his form in better grade of late. Ran a terrific 3rd to the great Mr Brightside at WFA 2 runs back but then didn’t fire a shot when fading 10th in the Gr 1 Turnbull. This is much easier and he loves this trip. Also fires up when it is damp. Looms very large, if he puts his best foot forward.

Interesting runner. Won a Gr 3 over 1350m when $31 last prep. Resumed from spell and tried his heart out when $101 and last of 8 (beaten 4 lengths) to Bella Nipotina in $3million 1300m last start. This is immeasurably easier but he hasn’t really fired up for a while. Likes it damp. If he sits in behind the speed he can rattle home but from this draw may get pushed out of the gates to lead. Is a chance either way.

Rates highly. Meets New Mandate 2kg better following a 3rd placing last start to him at Hawkesbury. This is harder but he has been in this level most of his life and tends to run well. Drawn very nicely. Has claims.

SCRATCHED

Smart and racing well. Hit the front at the 200m after travelling on speed when a narrow winner of the Diamond Prelude over 1500m, then there to win but found the 1800m beyond him last start when 7th in the $2m Five Diamonds. Better suited this journey and has claims.

Drawn perfectly but needs to lift on recent form. Saying that, did run a vastly improved race when beaten 3 lengths behind Obamburamai in the $10million Golden Eagle. This is slightly easier. Can sneak a place.

Has his foot on the till. Is consistent and deserves a win in one of these big races. Beaten a nose by Palmetto in the $1m Diamond Prelude then ran on well for 3rd in the $2m Five Diamonds over 1800m. Coming back 200m here but should be midfield throughout with cover and can run home hard.

Three runs back from spell, best of them at $101 last start when on speed and hung on well for 7th to Attractable in the Big Dance. This is harder and he’s drawn horribly.

Never seems to win but always runs well and has drawn the plum alley here. Probably is pushed out of the gate to take advantage of it and be about 7th early. Is very fit and runs on well. Last start was doing best work late when 5th in the $2million Five Diamonds a fortnight back over 1800m. Place show.

Mixes his form a bit but was on his best behaviour last start when sitting just behind speed before grinding home for narrow Rosehill Cup win over 2000m. Weighted well enough here and is super fit. Has failed against similar horses to these in the past though. Drawn to be about 6th on the fence all the way.

SCRATCHED

Not at his best this trip but he will appreciate the huge drop in weight from recent starts. Ran home well from a mile back over 1300m in the Country Open at Randwick on Cup day finishing 5th. Is fitter now and drawn well.

May be worth a place ticket at big odds. Was strong when resuming and 3rd this level behind the smart Unspoken but just folded up when there to pounce in the Big Dance finishing 12th. This is harder but he is better than that run.

Consistent and tough galloper who is in well at the weights and is very fit. But, he just seems to finish behind the placegetters at this level and hasn’t drawn well. Rough place show.

Got caught up in the ruck when handy 8th of 20 to Attractable and Cepheus in the $3m Big dance last start. Has previously easily won the Port MaQuarie Cup over 2000m. May surprise a few as he is very well weighted.

Has drawn poorly and is 2nd reserve, but if he gets a run he can win this. Was cantering to the turn before unleashing and winning BM 88 on Cup day at Randwick easily. Looks a major player if he finds cover early.

Tough galloper with class and rattled home from a mile back when 3rd in the $3million Big Dance this trip last start. This is harder and as 3rd reserve he may not get a run but can rally late. Loves a wet track too.

Definite lightweight hope if he gets a run. Likes to get back and will have to do that from this gate but man he can run on hard when clear. Is 3rd up here. Loves a damp track too.