New York City produced an excellent performance when runner-up over 1450m last time, earning a career-best rating of 98. He recorded some of the strongest corrected figures in this field, confirming his current wellbeing. The step up to 1650m appears ideal and, with his tactical versatility, he should enjoy another favourable trip before producing his finishing run. With further improvement expected, he sets the benchmark.

Brave Bomber produced the highest-rated performance in this field when winning over 1400m before backing it up with a creditable fourth over 1600m after setting exceptional sectionals for much of the race and only weakening over the final 200m. The anticipated lack of early pace should allow him to race prominently without pressure, a scenario that could see him prove very difficult to pass.