While several of the field were bred overseas there are four runners who are on their first visit to these shores.

Three of them hold entries to the Melbourne Cup as well with the exception being West Wind Blows from the Crisfords who are bringing out Jamie Spencer for the ride, as they did for the Turnbull Stakes where they ran second to Gold Trip.  The margin wasn't overwhelming (1 ¾ lengths)and the swing in the weights is in West Wind Blows's favour. He's around 7.00 so keep safe.

Joseph O'Brien is saddling two here both of whom hold entries to the Melbourne Cup.  O'Brien says that this race is the target for Okita Soushi (he has a Japanese owner) and has booked Kerrin McEvoy for the ride.  There's an Aussie connection too as his dam Amicus was bred in Australia and his sire was Galileo so pretty good pedigree.

Valiant Pride is his other runner and Jamie Kah will ride.  He's a 3yo so gets a good weight and although drawn in gate 1 had early speed.  He's had 7 starts for one win, three seconds and a third. By Roaring Lion out of a Candy Ride mare so an Argentinian connection here.

The Japanese runner – and we should have learnt by now to respect the Japanese horses – is Breakup.  While he isn't exactly a household name he's got good form over longer distances so will have no trouble getting the trip here, and Damian Lane is booked for the ride.