Double Delight – Saturday 31 October 2026

Beiwacht is my early preference. He’s a proven Group 1 performer with a strong recent record, including a win over 1400m at Caulfield, and he has the class to be competitive in a race of this quality.

The biggest question is whether he can reproduce that form from barrier 10 against a deep field of four-year-olds.

Why I’m siding with Beiwacht.

Proven class: He’s already won at Group 1 level over 1400m, and the step to 1500m looks manageable.

Recent form: His third in the Silver Eagle was better than the placing suggests, finishing less than a length behind Apocalyptic after racing prominently.

Jockey: Nash Rawiller is a positive, particularly if Beiwacht can secure a forward position without using too much energy.

Race shape: His early speed could be an advantage if he gets a relatively uncontested lead.

My early selection Cormier, with Stormy Marco the main danger.

Cormier appeals because he’s already shown he can compete in strong staying races. His third in the 2000m Caulfield Classic, behind King of Thunder and Global Gal, is encouraging form heading into a Derby.

The step up to 2500m is the key unknown, but barrier 3 gives Jamie Mott the chance to settle him economically and save ground.

Why Cormier is my pick

Strongest form line: His latest third came in the Group 1 Spring Champion Stakes over 2000m, finishing 1.75 lengths behind Proxima Dea. That looks stronger than much of the Melbourne lead-up form.

Ideal barrier: Drawn 3, compared with barrier 16 for Stormy Marco and 17 for True Rebel.

Staying pedigree: By Maurice out of Group 1 Oaks winner Abbey Marie, he has a credible pedigree for 2500m.

Race tactics: He can race prominently and should get a more economical run than several of his main rivals.

I’m siding with Immortal Bliss, who looks the most reliable winning prospect in this field. He’s a proven 1000m performer with an excellent strike rate, and his recent form stacks up well against these rivals.

Why Immortal Bliss is my pick

Excellent sprint record: Four wins from eight starts over 1000m, with a further three placings.

Strong recent form: Won the Listed Beaufine Stakes over 1000m in July, beating Twisted Steel, before winning the Listed Belmont Newmarket over 1200m in August.

Head-to-head advantage: Beat Oscar’s Fortune in the Beaufine Stakes, although Oscar’s Fortune carried significantly more weight.

Consistent performer: Eight wins and eight additional placings from 22 career starts.

Jockey combination: Lucy Fiore knows the horse well, and barrier 7 looks manageable.

My early pick is Bonjoy, with In Good Order and Hot and High among the main dangers.

Bonjoy has a particularly strong Ascot record and comes into this race off a Group 3 2nd over 1400m. The combination of proven track form, the right distance and barrier 2 makes her very appealing.

Why Bonjoy appeals

Excellent Ascot record: Eight wins from 20 starts at the track.

Strong recent performance: Finished a close second to King Of Light in the Group 3 Eurythmic Stakes on 17 October, over this same 1400m distance.

Second-up specialist: Four wins from six second-up starts.

Good barrier: Drawn 2, with Clint Johnston-Porter aboard.