A field of 12 will step out in the second Group 1 on Super Saturday at Flemington, the Australian Cup.

With $1.5 million on the line, the 2000m feature has attracted several world-class stayers, including recent Apollo Stakes and Group 1 winner Think It Over, promising American import Spanish Mission, and the always consistent Cascadian.

Co-trainers Anthony and Sam Freedman will be hoping to replicate Homeman’s success last year with Delphi and Steel Prince, while Bjorn Baker can claim his third Group 1 with last fortnight’s Chipping Norton Stakes runner-up, She’s Ideel.

There’s a case to be made for a few in this year’s field, and our thoughts on each runner can be found in 2022 Australian Cup Preview.

As genuine as they come. Won the Apollo Stakes at Randwick first-up and only weakened over the final 150m when fourth to Verry Elleegant in the Chipping Norton on a very wet track. Untried at Flemington, but has done some of his best work third-up. Should appreciate getting back on top of the ground and is tough to fault with fitness on his side.

Strong in all three runs since venturing to Australia. Ran a big race for third in the Melbourne Cup and is four weeks between runs since nabbing a place in the Carlyon Cup at Caulfield. Has challenged two quality horses (Stradivarius and Verry Elleegant) over the last calendar year and has a class edge over some of these. Will appreciate racing over further and a win under James McDonald would not surprise.

Talented international stayer that has held his own at this level in Hong Kong. Finished fourth in the Hong Kong Vase two years ago and has run some big races in Australia. No query over the trip given he was clear four-length winner of the Hobart Cup last month, but this is a big step up in class from an awkward gate.

5. Steel Prince (7)

• Group 1’s: 0
• Track: 7:2-1-1
• Distance: 5:1-0-1
• Trainer: Anthony & Sam Freedman
• Jockey: Jye McNeil
• Odds: $67.00

Unplaced in three starts at this level. Finished second-last in the Peter Young Stakes first-up at Caulfield, his first run in close to a year. Fitter but is unlikely to trouble these.

6. Surprise Baby (6)

• Group 1’s: 0
• Track: 7:1-1-1
• Distance: 2:0-0-0
• Trainer: Gavid Bedggood
• Jockey: Dean Holland
• Odds: $41.00

Clearly has the talent but has struggled to put it all together thus far. Has been over a year since he last won a race and has struggled over this trip previously. Worked home nicely first-up at Caulfield but would need to improve lengths to factor here.

Tends to be thereabouts more often than not, albeit it against easier company. Worked to the line well second-up at Caulfield and should be fitter for it. On debut at Group 1 level though and is likely to struggle.