Dynamic Duo

This looks highly likely to go to the sponsors, as Godolphin run the strong duo Gayego and Two Step Salsa. Gayego, winner of the Arkansas Derby in the USA last year, was deeply impressive as he won over 1,200 metres on Super Thursday, when he came from off the pace to snub leading Golden Shaheen contenders Big City Man and Diabolical.

It was one of the most impressive seasonal debuts I have seen this year, not just from those at the Carnival, and I really like Gayego's chances here. Ted Durcan stayed on board, with Dettori on Two Step Salsa, who also ran a cracking race to win at the Carnival.

Gayego drew post 13, which is just fine, and he is my clear selection. Of the others, the English shipper Cat Junior is interesting, making his first start since running second to Stimulation in the Challenge Stakes at Newmarket last October.

He closed last season on a progressive note and could well be capable of winning at this level in 2009, though the inside post will make life tough for him here, in what will be his dirt track debut. Give him a clean run, and this "Cat" can be dangerous.

Kalahari Gold, another who has signalled that there is improvement to come, also runs on dirt for the first time and could prove good enough to place in the top three. Finally, one should not forget Dijeerr, who benefited from a visor and a switch to dirt here to win well at the Carnival.

Selections: 13 Gayego 4 Two Step Salsa 1 Cat Junior (Dijeerr)