Track: Good 4 Weather: Fine

The race that stops the nation. Going for the imports this year as my on top selections. The top selection is Vauban who is favourite and looks on track for this year. The trainer has good confidence heading in and looks the pick of the crop. Buckaroo is a local trained runner by Chris Waller. Will need a solid ride from the draw but is in the mix. Absurde is another import who finished mid field in this race last year. Looks well placed this year to be in the finish. Zardozi has been a little hard to catch this prep but this trip should suit her. SeaKing was a big winner of the Geelong Cup. Much harder here but that run may have set it up beautifully for this. The chances don’t end there.

1. Vauban (11)

Logical favourite who was just fair in this race last year but is flying this year. The overseas form around Kyprios should hold up for this. Big hope and maps for an okay run in transit. On top selection.

2. Buckaroo (21)

Bets of the Australian crop and coming off an ultra consistent prep. Where to from barrier 21 is a problem but this race is well within reach provided there is luck from the draw.

3. Circle Of Fire (24)

Looms around okay odds but drawn very wide for this. Should be ready to peak and appreciate getting to this trip. Can win.

4. Warp Speed (3)

Japanese import who maps for a good run in transit. Will do no work from the draw and looks nicely placed in this field.

5. Kovalica (17)

Struggles to win and is hard to trust but is building this prep and should relish the trip. Place chance.

6. Sharp ‘N’ Smart (15)

Can’t have.

7. Just Fine (13)

On pacer who will be prominent and in this for a long way. May have to cop a decent amount of pressure up on speed but is good enough to win this.

8. Land Legend (18)

Handy UK import who is hitting his straps in Australia now. Tough draw but going well enough to consider.

9. Absurde (7)

Was in the market last year and didn’t fire. Strong win last start over in the UK and maps for a very good run. Worth a lot of thought for this.

10. Athabascan (2)

Can’t have.

11. Knight’s Choice (6)

Prefer others.

12. Okita Soushi (10)

Racing in solid form and good last start win. Much harder here but is rock hard fit and in form. Can win.

13. Onesmoothoperator (12)

Big win last start beating up just a fair field but commands respect off that and should handle the trip okay. Maps alright and ticks boxes. One of the best local hopes.

14. Zardozi (4)

Has been hard to catch but she may be crying out for this trip now. Multiple strong runs this prep and wouldn’t shock.

15. Sea King (1)

Dominant win in the Bendigo Cup and that may well be the right form for this. Maps well from barrier 1 and should stay the trip off its overseas form. Big hope.

16. Valiant King (22)

Can’t have.

17. Fancy Man (19)

Prefer others.

18. Interpretation (14)

Wasn’t too far off Sea King which looks okay form for this. Has a few lengths to find but capable.

19. Manzoice (8)

Can’t have.

20. Mostly Cloudy (16)

Prefer others.

21. Positivity (20)

This looks too tough.

22. Saint George (9)

Prefer others.

23. The Map (23)

This looks too tough.

24. Trust In You (5)

Can’t have.

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

Bryce Parker’s Tips
1 Vauban
9 Absurde
14 Zardozi
15 Sea King

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	11 Knight’s Choice
2nd	4 Warp Speed	0.1 length
3rd	12 Okita Soushi	0.85 length
4th	14 Zardozi	1.31 lengths

The track was rated as Good 4.

Scratching: 10. Athabascan.