Zaaki is the starting point, as the most proven warrior in the field with four Group 1 wins and an All Star Mile. He has resumed at 1400m three times in Australia for two wins and a second to Giga Kick, but do his nine-year-old legs still have the sharpness to beat a field like this? He certainly trialled well enough to suggest so.

Fangirl and Hinged, a pair of Chris Waller mares, haven’t won since March and February 2022 respectively.

Since then, Fangirl has run four WFA placings behind Anamoe, including second to him in this race last year, and was also second in the Golden Eagle. She’s a seriously talented mare that often finds herself too far back, but there is no Anamoe is this field now. Of the eight Waller runners, James McDonald is on her, also despite his long association with Zaaki.

While Fangirl prefers it drier, Hinged is the wet-tracker if the course comes up that way. She split Anamoe and Fangirl when resuming at 1400m last prep, and is capable of springing a surprise if ridden forward.

Osipenko was the run of the race in the Caulfield Guineas when third, won the Hobartville and was extremely competitive against older horses in the George Ryder and Doncaster. He might be the best of his age here, but has an awfully wide barrier to contend with.

Selections: 1.Fangirl 2.Osipenko 3.Hinged 4.Zaaki