G2 Perth Cup, $400,000, 2400m
Neufbosc (Fr) (Mastercraftsman {Ire}) seeks to become the first horse since Magistrate (NZ) (Stipulate {NZ}) in the early 1980s to win this feature staying contest in consecutive years though there has been a more recent dual winner with Star Exhibit (Statue Of Liberty {USA}) successful in 2016 and 2019.
Last year's third, fourth and fifth-placed runners Midnight Blue (So You Think {NZ}), Trap For Fools (Poet's Voice {GB}) and Platoon (Playing God) also again take their place this year with the former and latter in the best current form of last year's contestants.
Paddy's Shadow (Dane Shadow) is another to back up 12 months later, finishing eighth last year and he has been coming to hand well, ready for this step up in distance. Tellem We're Comin (Blackfriars) and Bad Wolf (So You Think {NZ}) also look ready for the 2400 metres whilst Bella's Idol (Vital Equine {Ire}) put the writing on the wall with her game showing in the Listed G.A Towton S. last time out.
Stafford's Lad (Demerit), Cockney Crew (Maschino) and Pure Devotion (So You Think {NZ}) all look well placed to run their usual honest races.
G3 La Trice Classic, $150,000, 1800m
Dance Music (War Chant {USA}) seeks to become the first horse in this race's short history (it was first run in 2006) to win it twice. She came off winning form 12 months ago - she does not this time but her G1 Kingston Town S. fifth two starts back looks good form for this.
Hard to beat is the in-form Beret (Helmet) who has so impressively been working her way through the classes - winning her last three including the Listed Starstruck Classic in determined fashion.
The second and third home that day - Playing Marika (Playing God) and La Farola (Deep Field) - again take Beret on - whilst others to run well in that race include Bam's On Fire (Universal Ruler), Real Charisma (I Am Invincible) and Devine Beast (Magnus).
Oceanzara (NZ) (Ocean Park {NZ}) and Bright Diamond (I Am Invincible) were both down the track in the Starstruck but both with excuses.
Listed Summer Scorcher, $125,000, 1000m
Long Beach (I Am Invincible) drops in class having found trouble second-up in the G1 Winterbottom S. and had been right in the thick of things at Group 3 level when resuming. Third-up last time in he won a 1000-metre race at Belmont and the two horses he defeated that day also line up here - Miss Conteki (Eurozone) who was run down only late as favourite first-up and Gemma's Son (Snippetson) who covered ground when resuming.
Three-year-old The Front Bar (Sessions) (who is bred on a 4 X 5 cross of the great Eight Carat {GB} by Pieces Of Eight {Ire}) is the up-and-comer of the field, so impressive winning each of her last three starts.
Top-weight Floyd (Not A Single Doubt) has the class but was a bit below his best last time in - Mervyn (Henny Hughes {USA}) also up to this on his best form.
