Track: Likely Soft – Heavy Weather: Showers all week incl race day

Fourteen runners have accepted for the $200,000 Group 3 Hyperion Stakes and there have been no early scratchings. The Chris & Michael Gangemi stable will saddle up three runners in this contest, whilst every other trainer has just one entry each.

God Has Chosen has opened up the short favourite following his blistering run in the Belmont Sprint where he took the shortcuts with a masterful ride by Clint Johnson-Porter to salute by less than half a length. Massimo was very brave in the same race after setting a silly pace up front and he will be looking to turn the tables on the short-priced favourite.

Laverrod rounds out the top three in betting following a credible run in the same race. Massimo and Dig Deep contested this race last year and will be looking to do much better than their previous result.

1. Rostropovich (5)

Very plain in the Belmont Sprint. Can’t have him here.

2. Massimo (10)

Set a silly pace in the Belmont Sprint before fading for third. Maps to get a soft run throughout but there is a question mark around running the mile if he gets taken on. Will be a big chance.

3. Platoon (12)

Made solid ground in the Belmont Sprint but he has drawn poorly here. Will appreciate the extra distance.

4. Laverrod (2)

Boxed away okay in the Belmont Sprint and he has drawn much better here. Very winnable race but happy to put him in a place line.

5. Dig Deep (7)

Can’t have on his recent performance in the Belmont Sprint.

6. Tellem We’re Comin (9)

Can’t have on his recent performance in the Belmont Sprint.

7. Samizdat (4)

Hasn’t shown a lot this preparation and would prefer to see improvement before backing.

8. Marocchino (14)

Maps to lead or sit outside leader here. Back from 2200m to 1600m is a slight concern. Can’t have.

9. Black Shadow (8)

First-up after 161 days. Will likely drop back as he will be looking for further.

10. God Has Chosen (6)

Amazing win in the Belmont Sprint, despite being slightly favoured by the pace up front. Won’t get that pace here but has the chance to sit a little closer. Up to the mile suits better than most.

11. Notorious One (1)

Settled near last in the Belmont Sprint and didn’t make a lot of ground. Has the chance to settle closer here should they want to from the inside gate. Could be an improver.

12. Kaptain Kaos (3)

Got too far back against the hot pace in the Belmont Sprint before coming up the middle of the track which wasn’t the place to be. Drawn better, maps better and 1600m suits. Expecting a bold performance.

13. Divine Shadow (11)

Looks outclassed.

14. Paddy’s Shadow (13)

First-up after 98 days. Can’t have.

The following are the top 4 selections for this year’s race.

Josh’s Tips	Jo’s Tips
10 God Has Chosen	10 God Has Chosen
11 Notorious One	2 Massimo
2 Massimo	8 Marocchino
12 Kaptain Kaos	4 Laverrod