Last seasons winner: Black Firenze from Galloping Ghost
The winner doesn’t need any introduction!! Words wont do it justice.Ran 30 times at 3, winning an outstanding 20 times and at one point had won 17 times in 22 races

Opal Buck from Taylorandtaryn
Last Race: Bel 1 1/8 Turf Firm– DDCQ 5th
14 wins from 37 runs has brought a tidy sum of $1.3mill to his owner and trainer TNT. Raced at the highest level all season, including multiple grade 1’s and 2. Running in the sprint final 3 days earlier will not be an issue and may just freshen Opal Buck up for this longer distance. This gelding is capable of a top performance but has also sometimes let himself down on occasions and trainer will have to work out what is best for him here with regards instructions and jockey.

Bold Reason from Chrisman
Last Race: Bel 1 1/4 Dirt fast– Xmas candy cane G3 6th
A dream of a horse, running through all 3 distance categories this season, but has this versatility hampered his chances? Seems to put 2 or 3 top races together before running a few less than expected races. His form in the Grade 1’s gives him a great chance if Chrisman has him primed here, but he may be just below the requirements in this tough field

Taylorsgreatsong fromTaylorandtaryn
Last Race: Bel 1 1/8 Turf Firm– DDCQ 3rd
Will also be contending the sprint final. 8 qualifying runs over classic trips, winning twice. Some nice form over this distance but seems a much better sprinter and his stamina may be stretched to the max here. Higher hopes comes from the sprint final

Ruby Slippers from Sweet Stables
Last Race: Bel 1 1/8 Turf Firm– DDCQ 1st
Comes into the final off the back of a win over 1 1/8 but on turf. Earnt more on turf with less runs than dirt, so may well prefer running on the green more than dirt. His form over 1 1/8 is impressive and with everything else a positive he is on the short list. Likely to make the pace here.

Sir Patriot from Galloping Ghost
Last Race: Bel 1 1/8 Turf Firm– DDCQ 6th
Another proper dirt horse, who made the eliminator final. Winner of 2 of his 9 qualifying races, his 2 runs on fast over distance, shows he is a serious contender for the crown. He will be coming from way off the pace and finish with a turbo charged effort. If he can avoid traffic from whatever draw, and get to the front he will be there abouts at the business end.

Yeats Making Waves from Dynamo
Last Race: Bel 1 1/4 Dirt fast– Xmas candy cane G3 3rd
Gelding with over $1mill in earnings has given his trainer a lot of honest runs this season. Winner of the eliminator at the start of the season he hasn’t looked back, winning 4 qualifiers and the lucrative Belmont G1 3 races ago. 1 1/8 may just be too sharp for him, but he has class and can make it count here. He looks a no-nonsense type who gets on with the job regardless of jockey, instructions and distance.


Orange Meringue Pie from Sweet Stables
Last Race: Bel 1 1/4 Dirt fast – OpenAlw 2nd
Brought along very nicely into this race, winning the KYD 3 races ago and followed up with a tidy 3rd in the Preakness. Given a very thoughtful allowance run in the lead up here and may just be the sort of preparation he needs to be successful. Everything in his favour makes him one of the favourites here


Balladier from Chrisman
Last Race: Bel 1 1/8 Turf Firm– DDCQ 4th
No wins in 8 dirt races gives cause for concern with Ballidier and form not good enough for a final, never really challenging in his qualifying campaign. His low ratings show he is stretched at this level. Will be leaving it late to make his run but may be too far behind at that stage.


Versailles Bellamy from Dynamo
Last Race: Cal 1m Dirt Good – fAlw 4th
Second entry for Dynamo and one he wont be counting on to increase his earnings; little form in qualifiers and allowances, his trainer wont mind me saying he is well out of his depth here.

Dazzling Champ from Anfield Road
Last Race: Bel 1 1/8 Turf Firm– DDCQ 2nd
Another with good form on both surfaces, so will not be an issue.1 1/8 his optimum distance and has proven form over this distance. Mixed it up between allowance and qualifying races, being in the mix most times, without being prolific. Has place opportunity but will need


Orange Meringue Pie
Opal Buck
Ruby Slippers
Special mention – Versaille Bellamy last by a country mile!! 😊