Track: Heavy   Weather: Showers Easing

Fifteen runners have accepted for the $700,000 Group 1 Metropolitan and there have been no early scratchings. Chris Waller stable has seven runners entered for the event, the Waterhouse/Bott stable and Maher/Eustace stable have two runners entered each whilst the rest of the trainers have just one entry each.

Durston has opened as the early favourite at $3.50. He is a deserved favourite following his dominant display in the Newcastle Cup. The son of Sea The Moon has no issues with the distance at hand and he is going for three wins on the trot in what is his first proper Australian campaign.

Stockman is on the second line of betting at $7.00. He has been gradually getting better with each run this preparation hitting the line well in the Winx Stakes, Chelmsford Stakes, and the Kingston Town Stakes. In his last run in the Kingston Town Stakes, he finished a solid fourth behind Alegron.

Le Don De Vie is on the third line of betting at $8.00. He is no stranger to this sort of distance range but his last run left many scratching their heads, as he finished a 3.1 length seventh. That was over 2000m and he has since trialled, so regardless of what happened last start, you have to respect the stable.

1. Stockman (4)

He has been working his way up to this sort of distance and he should be raring to go here. His run in the Kingston Town Stakes was quite good, he has drawn well and he will appreciate the extra distance. He won’t want it too wet though, hit better runs have been on the better going.

2. Le Don De Vie (3)

This stable know how to prepare a stayer so that sits in the back of your mind. Ordinary run over 2000m last start and has since trialled okay. James McDonald aboard is a slight indicator, but you really have to trust him.

3. Kukeracha (1)

Has just plugged away over distances that are shorter than this. Drawn the inside and up to the 2400m is positive for him though his recent form isn’t ideal.

4. Arapaho (11)

Slashing third behind Durston in the Newcastle Cup and he gets a 2kg swing on him here. The draw isn’t the greatest but with a positive ride, he can still settle midfield should they choose to do so. He is a chance to run another big race.

5. Mankayan (12)

Really disappointing in the Newcastle Cup, but this was probably the target. The stable handle their stayers well and he has been well in the market over his past four runs, so there is some quality there. Can’t leave him out of the calculations.

6. No Compromise (5)

He is ready for this distance now following his last two over shorter. The draw is ideal for him, though I am not sure he is up to this class.

7. Durston (8)

Winner of the Newcastle Cup in impressive fashion. He has drawn well in barrier eight to get another midfield run and will be carrying 2.5kg less than what he carried in his 3.7 length win. He is a classy animal and he should perform well again.

8. Sacramento (9)

Stable has prepared stayers well in recent years and this bloke ran well in the Newcastle Cup to solidify that. Distance is no worry but class might be the factor.

9. Surefire (13)

Hasn’t really fired since his first-up win. Had excuses two back when it was hard to run on and last start was good without being great. Distance suits him down to the ground and he will carry little weight. Chance.

10. Realm of Flowers (10)

Ran credibly in Listed grade last start, but this looks beyond her reach.

11. Grove Ferry (14)

On the quick back up following his win at Group 3 level. Drawn horribly and will need a peach from a rider he isn’t familiar with.

12. Carif (6)

Ran above expectation in the Newcastle Cup when 3.7 lengths back in second. The further they go, the better he gets and he has drawn nicely for this one. I just can’t have him though.

13. Francesco Guardi (15)

Tough to have based on the draw and last start effort.

14. Chalk Stream (2)

Ran well enough when 8.1 lengths back in fourth behind Cadre Du Noir last start when second up. Peaking in fitness now, with no weight and decent draw. Not sure he is up to this level.

15. Hameron (7)

On the quick backup following his 4.1 length third last start behind Quality Time. Ran some fast sectionals when coming from back in the field and he gives the indication that this distance is right up his alley. Big chance.

The following are the top 4 selections for this year’s race.

Josh’s Tips	Jo’s Tips
7 Durston	11 Grove Ferry
1 Stockman	1 Stockman
15 Hameron	7 Durston
4 Arapaho	2 Le Don De Vie

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	6 No Compromise
2nd	2 Le Don De Vie	0.02 length
3rd	10 Realm Of Flowers	0.09 length
4th	1 Stockman	0.95 length

The track was rated as Heavy 8.

Scratchings: 9. Surefire, 13. Francesco Guardi, 14. Chalk Stream.