The biggest field for 20 years lines up for the first Group One sprint of the meeting, headlined by Australia's leading sprinter Overpass. Trainer Bjorn Baker is known for celebrating victories, and his eight-year-old gelding, despite being winless since November 2024, showed strong form in the TJ Smith Stakes at Randwick in April, finishing about two lengths behind Joliestar, who runs in the Jubilee Stakes on Saturday.
Overpass's best performance includes a close fourth behind Ya King Rising in the Everest in October, where he was only run out of second late in the race. This form places him top of the Timeform ratings. Baker noted his horse has "a lot of frequent-flyer points" around Australia, suggesting he should handle the travel well.
Contenders and Challenges
Rayevka, trained by Francis-Henri Graffard, is a fascinating runner after a career-best performance when dropped back to five furlongs in a Group Three at Longchamp last month. She also has solid course form, finishing third in the Commonwealth Cup last summer and sixth of 19 in the Group One sprint here on Champions Day in October.
The domestic speedsters are led by Night Raider, a convincing winner of the Temple Stakes at Haydock last time. Karl Burke's runner has shown blinding speed throughout his career but appears more consistent this season after being gelded over the winter. Interestingly, he won at Haydock despite being unusually slow to stride.
Last year's winner, American Affair, was a one-length second there on only his second start since last summer's Group One breakthrough. He has obvious claims assuming that run has him spot on for today.
Asfoora's Bid for Repeat Victory
Another previous winner is the Australian-trained mare Asfoora, who registered a smooth success two years ago. It takes a leap of faith to back her after she finished last behind Night Raider in the Temple Stakes, but the ground at Haydock was softer than she prefers, and her usual blinkers were left off. The blinds are back on today, along with a first-time tongue tie, and she has a useful high draw near the stand rail.
Timeform top-rated: Overpass
SELECTION: ASFOORA
