THE US OF A defends his title and will likely fight out the finish after back-to-back recent seconds. He finished ahead of ALL THE RAGE in a recent 1000m clash and is weighted to confirm that superiority. However, the latter may have needed that outing after a rest/gelding and would've tightened up with the benefit of that comeback run so could improve to turn the tables. Versatile GOLD GIBOSKI, speedy O'TENIKWA and consistent OBJET D'ART have the means to get involved, along with FOX ON THE RUN and DUMBLEDORE whose most recent efforts were encouraging.