This year's edition of the Chelmsford Stakes features a number of high class runners on a path to The Metropolitan here in late September.
A tough Randwick mile is the ideal trial and should give punters an excellent guide on which runners have the necessary turn of foot to win high quality staying races throughout the Spring.
Historically trainers have used this race as a test to identify possible Caulfield Cup hopes, with those who don't impress likely to be sent to the lesser profile Metrop.
Randwick is currently rated a Good 4 with the rail out 10m from the 1600m to the winning post and 7m the remainder, with fine conditions predicted for race day.
Recent race track chatter has centred on the watering of tracks late in the week and the ATC has been forced to defend this practice following a rapid deterioration of the surface at Rosehill last week.
This has prompted complaints from trainers with differing agendas at Randwick when water is applied late in the week.
A close watch is advised early to identify any presence of track bias.
There are no betting moves of note in early markets.
Creates plenty of interest here after arriving from Ireland to tackle our Spring features.
He does bring excellent form having run well at Group level all throughout the northern hemisphere prep, where last start he was only beaten 3 lengths when running 4 of 11 in the Group 1 Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown.
That form should stack up well here and with two Randwick trials under the belt, Team Blue will have him well.
Slight concern he may need the hit-out, however must be considered a leading hope.
Has always been competitive at Group level and will have no problem running out a strong Randwick mile.
Last start he ran well in a dynamic on-speed display, to only go down narrowly close to home when running 3 of 13 over 1400m.
He will be forced to go back midfield or worse from a luckless draw in 16 and he is not at his best when forced to sustain a long run from well off-speed.
The speed map has him wide and well back from the onset and these challenges will be far too hard to overcome. No.
Loves it second-up (4:3-1-0) and is the likely leader in this field where if they let him dictate, he could pull their pants down.
Last start he took on the world's best in Winx when beaten into 5th and only 3.4 lengths off the great mare.
That run is ok for a race like this and he's likely be rock hard fit after riding the speed on that occasion.
Huge speed map favours and deserves serious attention. Yes.
Connections sparked some controversy over this mare when they stated she was heading for retirement before new interests bought in and decided to race on. The new owners stripped training rights from Canberra based Nick Olive and handed them over to Chris Waller.
The plan here is to kick off the campaign for another Caulfield Cup tilt and this looks far too short for her to be troubling the judge.
She is likely to put in a slashing effort, however she'll be running on when it is all over. No.
Had an outstanding prep last time in when dominating the Winter cups scene in both Scone and Brisbane.
Usually takes time to come to hand with a (5:1-0-0) first-up record, however has only had the 12 weeks off and is readied for this with two strong trail hit outs.
He's likely to be forward enough and certainly has a dynamic turn of foot.
Appears to be over the odds at $9.50 in current betting and expect him to shorten closer to jump. Top hope.
Was a huge run against Winx last start in the Winx Stakes, although well beaten on that occasion when running 6 of 11.
He will relish the extra distance here and Bowman can provide a very economical run from a luxury gate 5.
With any tempo present, he will simply run home over the top and blow them all away. Must go on top.
Of The Others
#1 It's Somewhat enjoys riding the speed and will come across from gate 7 to race in a striking position just outside or in behind the leaders.
He looks some value in current betting at $16 if the leaders can find some cheap sectionals.
1st Unforgotten
2nd Sedanzer
3rd Mr Moonlight Magic
4th Cabeza De Vaca