1. First Fleet | Yet to break out of maiden grade after 21 attempts and hasn't done best work over this distance. This looks too strong. |
2. Bonython | On debut and has had success trialling. Market as guide. |
3. Double Ex | First starter and won one of three trials. Market as guide. |
4. Hafez | Never in the race last start at Canterbury and should run fitter for past attempts. Goes up slightly in weight. Unlikely. |
5. Legal Challenge | Only just missed last start, finishing a length back from the winner at Hawkesbury on a soft track when resuming but has to take the step up to metropolitan grade. 2kg claim should help. Chance. |
6. Raoul | Hasn't been far away in first two races but only able to place as favourite last start at Kembla. Trial placing since last race 39 days ago adds confidence. Major contender. |
7. Kalashnikov | Never in the race last start at Randwick on a soft track when first up but cannot rule out. |
8. Mea Culpa | First starter and trialling well. Drawn perfectly. Market as guide. |
9. Oblivion | Began awkwardly. Laid in near 150m. Failed to handle going 5-1/2 len 5th of 8 (8) $5.50 57.0 Pretty Woman 1000m Canberra 2yo Hcp Soft(7) Feb 5. |