Weekend Hussler: Great horse, but can he stay? I think the weight makes it tough, as it is a very good horses weight, and this is first try at the journey. If he gets the right run, he could feature, and the odds are getting out now.
Maldivian: Another trying the 2400m for the first time, and he has not been finishing it off at the end of his races. Gear change may help, and trainer looking to get something back from the debacle of last year. He will sit on the pace and give you a run for your money at least.
Master O'Reilly: Last years winner, ran a great race at WFA last time indicating he has come back well. Only blemish on his record was last years Melbourne Cup when he either did not stay, or had trained off (? ride maybe not that great either). Will relish the journey and can repeat.
Fiumicino: If it's wet he has a huge chance. Derby winner so trip will suit. Not for me though.
Kibbutz: Not sure he is going as well as this time last year, when he won the Derby, but he will enjoy the extra journey. Some chance, but IMO, not a major player in this.
Nom Du Jeu: Will love the trip, and has a good record. Ran well in NZ last two runs, bit of a query over his health at the moment, but otherwise is an undeniable chance.
Mad Rush: Unknown quantity, too many question marks for me. If he brings his Euro form with him he might run well, but I cannot have it.
All The Good: See above, no idea on how it travelled and how it has been going, can't have.
Douro Valley: Good win last Saturday, second in this race last year. Obviously going ok, but not for me.
Ice Chariot: Has run ok this time in, but has struggled at this class in the past.
Viewed: Was scratched at barrier when I was looking forward to seeing him run last Saturday, hope that doesn't go against him here, has the Cummings polish, so he should be right for a good run at odds.
Littorio: Great run last time, twiced placed in derbies as a three year old, so distance no problem. Has come back in great order, well weighted, the one to beat.
Red Ruler: Has good form around Littorio and Nom Du Jeu, so is a real chance here. Great run in the Kelt, big threat.
Boundless: Unlucky in AJC Oaks, will get the journey. Good effort behind Princess Coup last time. If she draws well, she will probably get a cosy run on the speed. Another Kiwi with a big chance.
Dolphin Jo: Good effort to return to winners list last week. In form, but others stronger IMO.
Riva San: If it rains it certainly helps her chances, ran well last time against moderate opposition compared to this. Place chance best IMO.
Zagreb: First few runs this campaign were full of merit, not a great run at WFA last time. Has a nice weight, I think Flemington will suit him more, he may run well here but prefer in the Melbourne Cup at this stage.
Guillotine: Great chance at the weights if he settles ok. If he draws well he is another who will get a good run on the pace. He must settle to be a chance, he is in good form, and a real lightweight chance.
Barbaricus: Not keen on his chances if he gets a run.
Newport: Surprised me in the Metrop (I was on Bianca), and a win here would surprise me again.
Red Lord: Not on Metrop run. Was in good form before that, but cannot have.
Moatize: Probably won't get a run, but not keen on chances if he does.
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