5:55am - DE BORTOLI WINES GOLDEN ROSE | 1400m | Group 1 | i

The big 3yo showdown for the Sydney sprinters in the Spring, this used to be the highlight of the season in NSW before the Everest towered over it. Tempo from PERAST, THE MISSION, GOLD STANDARD, FORMALITY, DIAMOND TATHAGATA and maybe others should make sure it's STRONG to FAIR with so much on the line. G2 Run to the Rose winner MENARI got into a nice on-pace spot last time when he dominated the main lead-up, but where will he get to from barrier 11? It's a case of whether he stays the distance and finds a decent run. Two ticks there and he simply wins! PARIAH not far off and clearly in the mix too with luck from his wide barrier. DRACARYS (barrier 1), ASSIMILATE (strong 1400m suits) and MERCHANT NAVY (unbeaten) all quite well suited and on the improve. GOLD STANDARD (back in distance, wider barrier) and FORMALITY (drawn very wide) also in tricky spots. Intriguing race! TRAPEZE ARTIST Blinkers AGAIN. [updated 8:58am]