Track: Soft Weather: Overcast

The stayers battle it out over the 2500m and a last chance for some to make it into the Melbourne Cup field. Hard to knock the way Surefire is going, who may be getting costly for punters but does look very close to a win and with James McDonald sticking will be sure to make its presence felt. Makram is ticking along well and can win this on the way to the Melbourne Cup next Tuesday while Realm Of Flowers must be kept very safe and loves racing here. Great House was poor last run but prior form reads well for this race and can fight out the finish with Brett Prebble in the saddle.

1. Alegron (8)

Tough horse to catch. Was poor last run but won well the start prior. Godolphin are in career best form and Buick is booked, he is one of the best jockeys in the land. This race is within reach, it just depends which version of Alegron turns up. Hit and miss but can win.

2. Great House (12)

Didn’t fire last run but previous form is good enough for this. Great House can be a little hit and miss but does have a booming turn of foot when on song and is capable of taking this out with even luck from the draw.

3. Chapada (5)

Going along okay but prefer the form of others.

4. Crystal Pegasus (3)

Crystal Pegasus flies on this track, maps well and is proven on soft footing. Not hopeless at large odds but doesn’t want the track bottomless. Respect the market.

5. Warning (9)

Can’t have.

6. Makram (4)

Racing very well. Makram gets the dream run here from barrier 4 and is proven on soft ground. A sound chance in the Melbourne Cup if it backs up on Thursday, it has to be regarded highly here. Hard to beat and maps to perfection.

7. Realm Of Flowers (13)

Like Thornton riding aboard Realm Of Flowers, he knows the horse well. Flies on this track and put in a massive run last start. Up in weight but that form should give this race a shake, the concern is barrier 13. Top 4 chance.

8. Surefire (7)

Looked the winner last run but a great ride and win by Emissary proved too strong. James Mcdonald sticks and Surefire does look very close to a win. Wouldn’t want the track bottomless but proven on soft and deserves to be favourite in this.

9. Serpentine (10)

Can’t have in these conditions.

10. Interpretation (11)

Had excuses last run so forget it went around. Threatening to win a race lately and the stable are stars at producing them over the staying trip. Classy enough to take this out and can improve drastically off last run.

11. Schabau (6)

Didn’t mind the effort of Schabau last run. Has to learn to settle a bit more but is racing well enough lately and finding form again. Can run into the top 4.

12. Paternal (14)

Looking for dry ground and won’t get that here. Likely to be scratched.

13. King Of The Castle (1)

Stuck on the 1 win but didn’t have luck last run and hit the line hard. Barrier 1 has to be a query, hard to know where it will get to in the run but not hopeless in this.

14. Wyclif (15)

Prefer others.

15. True Marvel (2)

Can’t have.

The following are the top 4 selections for this years race.

Bryce’s Tips	Jo’s Tips	Lewis’ Tips
7 Realm Of Flowers	6 Makram	8 Surefire (BB)
8 Surefire	8 Surefire	7 Realm Of Flowers
2 Great House	7 Realm Of Flowers	6 Makram
4 Crystal Pegasus	1 Alegron	10 Interpretation