There should be quite a bit of natural speed in the race, which means every mare should get their chance and it could be that those settling midfield or even worse are the ones to beat. Of course, Sydney weather and the track pattern on the day will have a large say.

Sirileo Miss has been taking all before her in Melbourne, running her rivals ragged from the front. Pride of Jenni’s best performances have been when she can dictate. Mirra Vision and Hinged are also horses that have performed very well taking up a prominent position.

Alcohol Free will likely not be far away, especially if McDonald decides to ride her like the best horse and take bad luck out of the equation.

So who might be best placed to storm over the top of them, if they do go too hard? Levante came from last in the George Ryder to be beaten less than a length by Anamoe, and she is unbeaten on soft ground. Atishu handles all going, and might be able to cut the corner from barrier one while scything through the field. Hope in Your Heart is just so genuine, and it might be her time.