5:30am - THE BMW | 2400m | Group 1 | i

A mighty showdown of some serious stayers in this year's The BMW. All eyes will be on the highest rated Japanese raider TO THE WORLD as he launches his assault on the Autumn Carnival. He's an impressive type with the ability to go forward and give a kick - if he's at his best he may simply be too good. HARTNELL has won less than a fifth of the prize-money of his Japanese competitor, but he too oozes class and dominated the Sky High Stakes last start. The three tough Kiwi mares SILENT ACHIEVER, LUCIA VALENTINA and RISING ROMANCE loom as the main threats, along with Melbourne Cup heroes PROTECTIONIST and WHO SHOT THEBARMAN. OPINION and EXTRA ZERO can battle into a place.