5:45am - SCHWEPPES SYDNEY CUP | 3200m | Group 1 | i

The Sydney Cup gets stronger and stronger every year, reaching a new high in 2018 with Melbourne Cup winner ALMANDIN taking on a bunch of promising stayers from Australia, NZ and Japan. LASQUETI SPIRIT is in the race and we know she likes to dominate the tempo, expect her to set a FAIR to STRONG gallop for the first half and set off for a LONG SPRINT home if she has any petrol left in the tank. Looking for genuine stayers that can handle that set-up, ALMANDIN (good win in 2400m Tancred) and WHO SHOT THEBARMAN (going well, doesn't want it too firm) are clearly near the top of the list, both with very similar form ratings at the weights. AUVRAY actually rates on top based on form down to 52kg and will be very hard to beat if he stays the 3200m (just peaked slightly late last start?). LORD FANDANGO another big chance, perfectly placed on 51.5kg back to a dry track, while the Japanese import PRE STWICK (check yard and market) should enjoy the testing tempo and firm track too. LIBRAN (fitness a query?), VENTURA STORM, FIVE TO MIDNIGHT and SIR CHARLES ROAD all capable if those few fail. ALOFT has the class, whether he can handle this testing race is the question. [updated 8:53am]