Just Fine has an iron grip on favouritism, currently in red figures a couple of days out from the race. The import has had two runs in Australia for Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott, after 14 career starts in the UK. He romped home in a benchmark 94 over 1600m at the start of September, and then confirmed his ability and stoutness with an incredibly tough win in the Kingston Town last start. Sitting outside the leader for the first half of the race, he was then attacked by a third horse at the 800m, before casting them both aside and hitting the front at the 400m, defying the chasers to run him down. None could.

Five other horses from the Kingston Town are taking on Just Fine again, and it’s very difficult to make a case for any to turn the tables. Benaud finished second to him, which puts him in the frame to run a place again, especially given we know he is in solid form thanks to his Wyong Cup win previous.

The Newcastle Cup provides eight runners in this contest, and a number of them had run behind Benaud in the Wyong Cup also. Spirit Ridge has been around forever but has had an uber-solid 2023 with a win and seven placings, and is perhaps the best of those coming through those two races.

The form of the aforementioned races is all interconnected, and we have to think Just Fine has all of those runners covered, so that leaves the door open for another formline to provide the stiffest challenge.

Future History looks the likely danger. Similar to Just Fine, he is also an import having his first preparation in Australia, and has shown his worth at three starts over 2000m with a win and two placings. Never tried at 2400m in Europe, he is ready for the step up now.

Selections: 1.Just Fine 2.Future History 3.Benaud 4.Spirit Ridge