I like this race every year as it can throw up a nice horse – either a horse coming back from the Derby or a horse off alternative formlines. The last two winners of the race – Shootoff and Dariana – went on to win the Queensland Derby, while Clangalang (2003), Freemason (2000) and Might and Power (1997) are other notable winners in recent years.

I like the notion of a horse coming off alternative formlines to win this, which narrows my selections considerably. I understand the hype around Fat Al, but I really like IGGI POP as a horse. I think you’ll be hearing a lot more about this horse in the next few months. By Savabeel out of an O’Reilly mare, I reckon he’s probably Queensland-bound. He’ll be hard to beat.

AMBIDEXTER ran fourth in the Rosehill Guineas at his last start, after running fourth to Mosheen in the Randwick Guineas. I’m wondering why he missed the Australian Derby, and it seems weird to me he’s had the four weeks between runs. But if he’s fit, he’ll go close.

I think ISOPACH has largely been forgotten. His run in the Tulloch Stakes was outstanding, and while he’s inconsistent, he has a similar profile to Shootoff last year. Good each way value.

And I guess I’ll put FAT AL in for fourth but I’m still not as keen on him as many others appear to be.

7 – IGGI POP
2 – AMBIDEXTER
1 – ISOPACH
5 – FAT AL