A Group 1 winner, a last-start Group 2 winner and some of Victoria’s most consistent off-season performers are among the runners in a stellar renewal of the Listed event.
The Gerald Ryan-trained Mrs Onassis, a winner of the Group 1 Oakleigh Plate over the Sir John Monash course in February, headlines the 11-horse field.
The Team Hawkes-prepared Happy Galaxy, who has not started since making it four wins on end in the Expressway Stakes on 9 February, is among their rivals.
Second Effort, winner of the Listed Wangoom Handicap at Warrnambool in May, the mega-consistent Zamorar, classy Darley galloper Skytrain, the evergreen Zedi Knight, Pago Rock and speedy filly Elite Elle are also engaged.
Atomic Force, the 2011 Group 1 Galaxy winner, was also an acceptor for the Monash, but has already been withdrawn.
The Monash, to be 2.58pm, is the feature event of an above-average winter program.
The feature support race is the $100,000 Ascend Sales Trophies Handicap, headed by classy filly Ava’s Delight and last Saturday’s impressive Flemington winner Space.
Possibly the most intriguing support race of the day, however, the $80,000 Procal Dairies Handicap (1000m) that launches the card at midday.
Among the runners is Crystal Ruby, who is a sister to 2010 Golden Slipper winner Crystal Lily.
She faces a strong set of rivals at her debut with Regimental Pride, a son of former star sprinter Regimental Gal, to make his debut for Stephen Brown, Caulfield winner Change of Honour, VOBIS Gold Strike victor Thiamndi, last-start Moonee Valley winner Miss Steele and the consistent Mount Zero also engaged.
One-time Thousand Guineas favourite Love For Ransom returns to Melbourne after a luckless two-start Queensland campaign for the $80,000 Yarra Valley Farms Plate (1200m, Race 2), while Gold Topaz winner Under The Eiffel headlines a competitive $80,000 Bib Stilwell BMW Handicap (1400m) that rounds out the program.