Strong early tempo with Makhachev, Dubai Hills and Holocene leading the way. MONTELENA (6) despite taking a keen hold and racing wide on the turn last time, the manner in which she stayed on at the finish was encouraging. She has won once, finished second once and third once from five starts over this distance. She is the best-weighted runner and can return to winning form. MAKHACHEV (1) fought hard when second over this course and distance last time. It must be noted that the horse that finished third that day has come out and won since. He will strip a much fitter horse today and rates highly. HOLOCENE (3) fought hard for his last victory over this distance on the polytrack. He does have work to do at the weights, but is in a good space and can follow up with another good run. CAPTAIN OF GRIT (5) resumes from a spell. Worth noting he placed when returning from a spell last time in work over 1600m at Turffontein Inside. Now under the care of new trainer K Mitchley. Strong chance to kick the campaign off on the right note.