Verdict

Abusive Gary is back over his winning trip but does have a habit of blowing the start, though that may not matter much in a field of this size. Scouted will have needed his reappearance and Baby Gronk would have every chance on his run here in January. He didn’t enjoy being held up over a mile last time. KRIS’ WILD KAT hasn’t raced since splitting a couple of subsequent winners here last May but Richard Baltas’ grey is potentially a lot better than this bunch so it’s worth taking a chance on his fitness.

Formwatch

Abusive Gary (USA) 17-2 (8-10) Hopped,bobbled start, 4th of 6, 2 3/4l behind Unbroken Star (8-10) at Santa Anita 1m fst in Feb.

Bob's Sniper (USA) 8-1 (8-12) Bobbled 2nd step, 3rd of 6, 10l behind Castle Gate (8-12) at Santa Anita 6f fst in Feb.

Kris' Wild Kat (USA) 7-10fav (8-13) Vied 3wd,stalk,willing, 2nd of 7, 1l behind Awesome Heights (8-13) at Santa Anita 5f gd in Jun.

Scouted (USA) 18-1 (8-12) Hopped,off slow, last of 11, 16 3/4l behind Tigre Di Slugo (8-12) at Santa Anita 6f fst in Feb.

Baby Gronk (USA) 14-5 (8-10) Broke thru,stdied 1/4, 5th of 6, 3 1/4l behind Unbroken Star (8-10) at Santa Anita 1m fst in Feb.

Captain Buzzkill (USA) 33-1 (8-10) In tight 1/2,gave way, last of 9, 22l behind Policy (8-10) at Santa Anita 6f fst in Jan.