5:30am - LONGINES GOLDEN SLIPPER | 1200m | Group 1 | i

One of the most evenly-matched Golden Slippers in recent years, a field full of genuine contenders, so much will come down to luck in running and which youngsters handle the track conditions the best. Plenty of speed engaged and a STRONG tempo expected. Obvious chances include COSMIC FORCE (massive win last week on heavy!), TENLEY (strong tempo ideal, track conditions some question) and Blue Diamond winner LYRE, who trialled well on SOFT 7 recently. The big raw LOVING GABY (unlucky in Blue Diamond) and FREE OF DEBT also won trials easily on a SOFT 7 and are right in the mix up from Melbourne. Godolphin's athletic filly PIN SEC is making big strides and could relish the conditions. And winning chances to MICROPHONE (if inside OK and handles wet), YES YES YES (lots of luck needed, may peak late), TIME TO REIGN (better in wet, but 1200m?), ANAHEED and EXHILARATES. Get ready for a grandstand finish. [updated 8:04am]