Bivouac scaled new heights last Spring after dominating class opposition in the Group 1 Darley Sprint Classic.
The Godolphin gun resumes here for what could be his last campaign on Australian soil, before heading to the breeding barn.
Nature Strip has trialled up well, but looks vulnerable fresh in a race where Pippie and Fabergino will ensure a brutal tempo.
Fillies September Run and Swats That resume after quinellaing the Coolmore Stud Stakes in the Spring, and will only carry 53.5kg.
They will attempt to be the first three-year-olds since Fastnet Rock to take out the WFA Group 1 dash.
For the latest insight into how the Flemington track is expected to play, read our preview of the CS Hayes Stakes here.
The Map
Nature Strip (1), Pippie (5) and Fabergino (6) will make for a brutally run 1000m contest.
Chris Waller has suggested that he doesn’t want to get involved with the two distance specialists’ tactics and could potentially lob just in behind the speed.
This will leave Swats That (8), Elite Street (3) and Bivouac (2) to settle midfield, with Bivouac and Swats That mapping to get lovely runs down the outside rail.
September Run (7) will be taken back to last in hope that she can power over the top, with an inside run reminiscent to her statement victory in the Cap D’Antibes Stakes in September.
Analysis & Tips
1st Bivouac $2.70
Resumes here after putting in a superb trial and can once again prevail and get the better of key rival Nature Strip.
This race shapes up perfectly for the James Cummings-trained runner, who can park in behind a hot speed before letting down with a devastating turn of foot at the 300m.
He’s yet to win over 1000m but I have no concerns this time in and am willing to declare him as the best bet of the Autumn.
2nd Pippie
She’s a 1000m specialist who boasts a flawless fresh record, winning four from as many attempts.
She won the Group 1 Oakleigh Plate in record time when resuming last Autumn, before backing that up with the Moir Stakes in the Spring.
While she may not be held in the same regard as other top class sprinters, I’m confident that she's better equipped to stick on as opposed to Nature Strip and Fabergino who I expect to tire over the final furlong.
3rd Swats That
Finished behind September Run in the Group 1 Coolmore last preparation, but has since had her measure in a recent jump out.
September Run may well be the better horse, but I can’t have them priced this far apart and believe that the Leon & Troy Corstens-trained filly will be better suited at 1000m first up.
4th September Run
She’ll benefit from the strong speed up front and be flashing home with only 53.5kgs on her back.
She has the class and ability to win at this level but 1000m looks a touch short fresh.