Chris Waller has a great chance to win the Gr.1 The Metropolitan once again after securing six spots in a field of seventeen. While Gai Waterhouse will be chasing a ninth win in The Metropolitan with Colin Stephen Quality winner Stampede and Newcastle Gold Cup winner Hush Writer.
Stampede: The Gr.3 Kingston Town Stakes & Colin Stephen Quality winner has a great chance to give Gai Waterhouse her ninth win in The Metropolitan.
Brimham Rocks: While Chris Waller’s best chance of retaining Gr.1 The Metropolitan title rests with this 6YO. Brimham Rocks returned to winning form last start in the MRC Foundation Cup.
Pharaoh: The English import is the first of Chris Waller’s six Metropolitan runners. He proved his staying ability with a win in the Gr.1 Sydney Cup at Randwick. But can he step-up to the 2400m class even with Hugh Bowman in the saddle.
Gallic Chieftain: Gallic Chieftain is another who will be better suited stepping up to the 2400m after an encouraging second-up effort when he made up plenty of ground to finish fourth to Gr. 3 MRC Foundation Cup. The blinkers will be going back on.
Grey Lion: Grey Lion unlikely to best his elders in this one.
Neufbosc: The Lindsay Park trained French import has yet to secure his first win despite three runs on Australian soil this campaign
Wu Gok: The Chris Waller-trained Wu Gok is racing in great form with wins at his last two starts but will find this more robust than his latest success in the Listed Wyong Cup over 2100m.
Big Duke: Back after a spell, he should be up to this challenge.
Play With Me: Another Chris Waller runner was second in the Gr. 3 Premier’s Cup at followed by a sixth in the Gr.3 Kingston Town Stakes. May not enjoy this C&D.
Patrick Erin: Patrick Erin won this race last year for Chris Waller but is struggling to regain that winning form. Hard to see back to back Metropolitan wins.
Haripur: The Chris Waller-trained 6YO doesn't inspire confidence in the crowds with his two lead up runs into The Metropolitan
Sir Charles Road: New Zealand bred colt should enjoy the step up to 2400m will suit.
Hush Writer: French import Hush Writer seems to be in top form after he won the Gr.3 Newcastle Gold Cup in his last start. It helps that he has drawn an excellent barrier and has strong claims with a lightweight.
Attention Run: The Kris Lees trained Attention Run chased home Hush Writer when second in the Gr.3 Newcastle Gold Cup but it is hard to see the German import figuring in the finish
Scarlet Dream: The C&D may not suit this 4YO mare.
Supernova: Although a winner over 2400m at Doncaster in England but still has to prove herself on Australian soil.
The Good Fight: Was sixth in the Gr.3 Newcastle Gold Cup and may not be suited to this C&D.
Distance: 2,400 meters, Surface: Turf, Track: Right-handed, Qualification: Horses three years old and older, Weight: Handicap, Purse: A$750,000 (2018), Bonuses: Winner exemption from a ballot on the Queen Elizabeth Stakes