| Distance | 1200m |
| Grade | Group 1 |
| Track Rating | Good 4 |
| Prizemoney | $1,500,000 |
| Class | 3yo Set Weights |
| 2018 winner | Sunlight ($5) |
The Coolmore Stud Stakes is a high profile sprint down the famous Flemington straight, featuring some of the best colts and fillies in the land.
Many of this year's main hopes will be out to achieve both financial and reputational glory. If the the winner is a colt, the horse is almost certainly guaranteed to double in value and take his place at stud.
I am with those who are coming in on the fresher side. I believe the favourite is vulnerable and may be over the top here following an arduous campaign involving two "Grand Finals".
Godolphin's second pick has been set for this and could hold the key.
For the latest insight into how the Flemington track is expected to play, read our preview of the Victoria Derby here.
Race favourite Bivouac is a slight drifter in betting early, out to $3.20 from an opening quote of $3.00.
Libertini has firmed into $4.80 from $5.50.
All other runners remain steady.
Appears to have been set for this race, which could prove the key advantage over his rivals.
The first-up effort in the Roman Consul was sound, where he got back and chased hard through the line. That run would have topped him off beautifully for this.
He is dripping in quality and with plenty of early speed engaged, he is sure to be one of the strongest late.
With a record of two wins from two starts up the Flemingtion straight, he looks great value at the current $11 quote. Goes on top.
Is probably the best horse in the race, however this reeks of an afterthought following his luckless Manikato Stakes effort last start.
He has been up a long time now and has already contested two "Grand Finals", being the Golden Rose and Manikato. It can get ugly if they attempt to peak up again in a big race.
He could easily blow them away if he still holds form, however I would much prefer to be with the fresh profile of others considering his "afterthought" status.
Has a sense of timing here third-up and he's proven that he has the ability, following midfield finishes in two high quality Sydney three-year-old races this prep (Roman Consul and Heritage Stakes).
He closed off the race well last start, after recording the best final 200m sectional of the field.
Appears to be right on target and may fly under the radar in this. Leading chance.
Was backed off the map to win the Roman Consul and duly saluted after racing on speed and charging away to win well.
He is a big player here and is another that profiles well third up (1:1-0-0).
It will be interesting to see if the big money comes late. If it does, I would suggest he goes very close. Top hope.
Highly talented colt who is the horse on everyone's lips here.
He must be training the house down to warrant the whispers circulating, that he is "the" horse for this race.
The Golden Rose effort was excellent, where he finished 3 of 8.
The five week freshen is perfect and a dominant performance would not surprise. Yes.
Started this campaign with a bang when winning her first two races with ease and creating plenty of hype. These runs led to her being touted as a possible Everest hope.
A good filly (Sunlight) did win this race last year, hence the precedent is clearly there.
I have a few ahead of her, however she could be ready to do something very special following the five week freshen. Very wary.
Was excellent last start in the Blue Sapphire Stakes at Caulfield, when finishing a close up 3 of 11.
However, that form looks well below many of these with the leading hopes coming via much stronger Group races.
Looks completely outclassed. No.
#15 Broadwayandfourth won the William Crockett at big odds ($18) last start, when she darted through late to claim them all.
She is lightly raced (3:2-0-1) and may still have significant improvement in her.
A genuine blowout hope, where a win at cricket score odds would not completely shock.
1st Microphone
2nd Exceedance
3rd Cosmic Force
4th Accession