Track: Good Weather: Fine

The current Everest favourite I Wish I Win headlines a star studded Group 1 Memsie Stakes field.  He resumes along with multiple Group 1 winner Alligator Blood.  Australia’s best miler Mr Brightside was dominant winning the P.B. Lawrence Stakes at his first run back, while Osipenko and Princess Grace both ran well in the Winx Stakes at Randwick a fortnight ago.

1. Mr Brightside

Quality galloper who won the Doncaster Mile and All Star Mile last prep.  Was a strong winner of the P.B. Lawrence here first up and should only improve off that.  Hard not to see him running well despite the wide draw.

2. I Wish I Win

On ratings he’s close to if not the highest rated sprinter in the world, following a breath taking performance in the TJ Smith in April.  I have little doubt he’s the best horse in the race but where he gets to from barrier 1 is a concern as you wouldn’t think they would be desperate to win this with his grand final (The Everest) to come next month.  That being said if the gap appears he could well be too good!

3. Alligator Blood

Multiple Group 1 winner.  Resumes off two trial wins.  Was very unlucky in this race last year.  Drawn a touch sticky but is a clear winning chance.

4. Nonconformist

Was an impressive winner of the Group 2 Blamey first up in the Autumn.  That was at 1600m.  Think he might find these a bit sharp over 1400m but is capable of running top three if the pace is on.

5. Aegon

Was an eye catcher from the back first up in the PB Lawrence.  Drawn to get last crack at them again out wide.

6. The Inevitable

Tasmanian who had a terrific Autumn.  Built the picket fence in the apple isle before running a slashing third in the All Star Mile.  Won’t be surprised to see him run well first up in this.

7. Western Empire

Can not have on recent form.

8. Bandersnatch

Was disappointing first up against easier company.  Outclassed.

9. Duke De Sessa

Maher / Eustace import.  Only Australian start came in the Doncaster where he finished a credible eighth.  Happy to watch him first up but is one to keep an eye on moving forward.

10. Osipenko

Loved the run first up in the Winx Stakes at Randwick.  Was dragged right back there from a wide gate and hit the line hard.  Expect him to settle closer from the inside draw.  As long as the fence holds up, he can run really well here.

11. Bank Maur

Resumes.  Don’t think he’s good enough.

12. Amenable

Won well here first up but this is much harder.

13. Princess Grace

Looked the winner of the Winx Stakes at first Australian start before the talented mare Fan Girl nailed her right on the line.  Think the booking of Blake Shinn is significant here.  Expect her to go very close.

14. Annavisto

High class mare who races best fresh.  Whether she is good enough to measure up at this level remains to be seen but it won’t shock to see her in this for a fair way if she gets her own way in front.

15. Steinem

Pipe opener first up.

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

Lewis Oliver’s Tips	Jo Jackson’s Tips
13 Princess Grace	3 Alligator Blood
10 Osipenko	1 Mr Brightside
1 Mr Brightside	2 I Wish I Win
2 I Wish I Win	13 Princess Grace

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	1 Mr Brightside
2nd	13 Princess Grace	0.4 length
3rd	2 I Wish I Win	0.5 length
4th	3 Alligator Blood	0.8 length

The track was rated as Good 4.

Scratching: 6. The Inevitable.