1. Strait Acer (Edward Cummings): Had outstanding form in good races last spring with a second in the Silver Eagle being followed by a fourth in the Golden Eagle then ran third in the group 1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes at Caulfield before being spelled. Resumed with a fifth in the Expressway in what was a good run then had his chance when in this grade at Kemble Grange behind Territory Express. Has had a trial to be kept up to the mark for this but has drawn wide. Has the talent to overcome that and is a leading contender.

2. Diamond Diesel (Adam Duggan): Looked good winning at Canterbury when resuming from a spell then backed that up with another victory at Gosford. Since won a trial at this track before returning from a freshen-up with a sixth in this grade at Gosford two weeks ago. Talented but an outside alley will make this a tough task for him.

3. Dream Hour (Kris Lees): Was a winner on the Kensington track last preparation before failing to fire at Rosehill. Earned a berth in the Stradbroke by winning The Gateway at Eagle Farm prior to being spelled then resumed in this grade when hitting the line well for a fourth behind Short Shorts at Hawkesbury. Better for that run and is a second-up winner. Worth including among the main chances.

4. Willinga Freefall (Kris Lees): Form at the end of last campaign was good with an Eagle Farm victory wedged in between a string of city placings. Had two trials before resumed with a third in this grade at Gosford a fortnight ago and is a chance again in this from the ideal draw.

5. True Crime (Kim Waugh): Handy on his day but form had been well below best in four runs either side of a spell including an 11th at Hawkesbury in this grade two starts ago. Since tackled midweek city grade and led them up and showed improvement when holding on for second behind McHale. Capable at best and could show up if he runs up to the latest effort.

6. Karedada (Angela Davies): Has shown plenty of ability in his career and managed to win four of his six starts in good style including a Canterbury victory before being spelled. Since resumed on the back of two trials and wasn't disgraced when midfield behind Shadows of Love in this grade at Gosford. Drawn better this time and can bounce back.

7. Oakfield Waratah (Kristen Buchanan): Was out of the placings in a couple of Rosehill runs last October before showing improvement to finish second in the Four Pillars at the same track. Followed that up with a fourth behind Tavi Time at Newcastle then was spelled after failing to beat a runner home at Rosehill. Resumes here and is a recent trial winner. Worth each-way thought.

8. Ausbred Flirt (Brad Widdup): Classy mare when at her best and was placed in the Angst last spring before finishing fifth in The Invitation. Never a factor in group 1 company at latest run before being spelled then resumed and ran well enough when sixth in the Guy Walter at Randwick. Has a solid second-up record and will find this an easier assignment. Stable is flying and should be very hard to beat.

9. Cacofonix (Kris Lees): Had some solid Doomben form last November but then failed to beat a runner home at Eagle Farm and was then spelled. Resumed on the back of two trials a couple weeks ago and failed to fire behind Shadows Of Love in this grade. Fitter for that but still needs to improve.

10. The Great Houdini (Gregory McFarlane): Consistent type which won second-up last campaign at Newcastle defeating Kintyre. Was placed at Newcastle and Hawkesbury following that and then spelled. Resumes here and has been placed in two trials but is eligible for easier races at this stage of his career.

11. Angara (Paul Perry): Had been racing well with a second at Gosford and a dominant win at this track before stepping up to this grade and failing to fire after racing on the speed at Gosford a couple of weeks ago. Won't find this any easier and others are preferred, especially from the extreme outside barrier.

12. Stars And Bars (Jason Attard & Lucy Keegan-Attard): Was placed behind Strait Acer at Randwick last September and was then spelled. Resumed with a down the track effort at Rosehill then improved when second at Hawkesbury before failing to offer much at Kembla Grange last time. Looking to others in this.

13. Sweet Ruby (Kim Waugh): Has been sparingly raced over the last 18 months. Failed to fire in the Belle Of The Turf at Gosford in December, 2022, then resumed from a spell in May last year and didn't show up in two runs. Resumes again here and has been placed in two trials. Capable on her day but first-up form isn't the best.

14. Moonlight Grace (Allan Kehoe): Was down the track in two runs before being spelled and has since had two runs back from the break for a failure at Randwick and a 13th behind Shadows Of Love in this grade two weeks ago. Aiming too high against these.

15. Leandra (Jason Attard & Lucy Keegan-Attard): Wasn't disgraced in a couple of city runs at Rosehill and Randwick earlier this year before failing to fire in Midway company at Rosehill last time out. Won't find this an easy task.

16. Jaex (Stephen O'Halloran): Was a winner at this track in a super maiden last November then finished second at Canterbury before a fourth at Hawkesbury and then being spelled. Ran fourth in a trial behind subsequent The Galaxy winner Zapateo at Hawkesbury before resuming with a narrow win at this track. Form is sound but faces a significant class rise here. Prefer in something easier.

17E. Take The Jackpot (Barry Lawrence): Led them up and fought on too well to win at this track two starts ago, then could only manage a midfield finish here last time out against easier grade than what he meets here. Looking to others.

18E. Rapid Outlaw (Kerry Parker): Was a winner at the Sapphire Coast three starts ago then failed to beat a runner home in Midway company at Randwick behind Invincible Legend. Since was midfield at Kembla Grange and will find this tougher. Needs it easier.

SPEED MAP: True Crime looks to be the leader from the good gate with the likes of Diamond Diesel and Angara having little option but to push forward from the two widest gates. Strait Acer is drawn awkwardly out deep and could push forward early inside Diamond Diesel and Angara and settle off the speed with cover. Karedada is drawn to get the run of the race while Ausbred Flirt shouldn't have to get too far back from the inside alley. Dream Hour should also get a good run from off the pace.