Group 1 action returns to Randwick this weekend, with the running of the 1600m Epsom Handicap set to headline a huge day of racing at the track.
Some of the country's best middle-distance gallopers will compete in the $1.5 million event, with the like of The Inevitable and Nugget both near the top of the betting market.
With the spring carnival well and truly underway and plenty of major events on the horizon, this promises to be a good preview for some of Sydney's biggest spring races and a potential look forward to next autumn.
The Sporting News has all the tips, analysis and insight ahead of Saturday's big race below.
Epsom Handicap 2023 final field, barriers and betting odds
The final field for this year's Epsom Handicap has been confirmed, with the likes of The Inevitable, Hope In Your Heart and Nugget near the top of a wide-open betting market.
Odds courtesy of Dabble, correct as of 3:00 pm AEST, September 30. WHAT'S GAMBLING REALLY COSTING YOU?
| Runner (Barrier) | Jockey | Trainer | Odds |
| 1. My Oberon (18) | Chad Schofield | Annabel Neasham | $26 |
| 3. The Inevitable (8) | David Pires | John Keys | $7.50 |
| 4. Going Global (12) | James McDonald | Chris Waller | $34 |
| 5. Converge (9) | Tim Clark | G.Waterhouse/A.Bott | $11 |
| 6. Golden Mile (21) | Blake Shinn | James Cummings | $21 |
| 7. Kirwans Lane (11) | Tom Sherry | John O'Shea | $67 |
| 8. Hope In Your Heart (10) | Craig Williams | Kerry Parker | $6 |
| 9. Diamil (5) | Jason Collett | John O'Shea | $81 |
| 10. Kovalica (7) | Joao Moreira | Chris Waller | $9.00 |
| 11. Nugget (19) | Damien Oliver | C.Maher/D.Eustace | $8.50 |
| 12. Pounding (13) | Jamie Kah | P.Moody/K.Coleman | $9.00 |
| 13. Communist (6) | Dylan Gibbons | Michael Freedman | $23 |
| 15. Madame Pommery (16) | Kerrin McEvoy | Chris Waller | $34 |
| 16. Democracy Manifest (1) | Tyler Schiller | Chris Waller | $10 |
| 17. Rediener (2) | Kathy O'Hara | Chris Waller | $10 |
| 18. Barbie's Fox (4) | Dean Yendall | B, W & JD Hayes | $35 |
| 21. Williamsburg (3) | Andrew Adkins | G.Ryan/S.Alexiou | $71 |
| 22. Political Debate (22) | Rachel King | Chris Waller | $126 |
Epsom Handicap 2023 betting preview
In one of the most wide-open Group 1 markets in recent memory, all of the current favourites in the 21-horse field sit above the $7 mark and this is truly anyone's race.
The Inevitable ($6.50) has emerged as the slight outright favourite and with a proven winning record over the mile against good opposition and second-up after a spell, deserves its spot at the top of the market.
Just behind it in the market is Nugget ($8), who has received plenty of support and has placed in multiple Group 1 events and is primed for a big run second-up, as well as Queensland Derby winner Kovalica ($9).
The highly-touted Hope In Your Heart ($9.50) has already found success at Group 2 level and enjoyed a solid first-up display four weeks ago, while Converge ($13) looks nicely-placed and has plenty of improvement left.
Pounding ($14) will have Jamie Kah in the saddle and is a proven commodity over 1600 metres, while cult hero Democracy Manifest ($15) has drawn the inside gate and brings in a great winning record.
In the similar portion of the market is multiple-time Group 3 winner Rediener ($13), who has either won or placed in 70 per cent of his career starts, as well as Waterford ($17) who will have to overcome the wide draw.
But for us, we're going to go with the Chris Waller-trained Kovalica, who will bring quality form into the race and will be boosted by the addition of overseas jockey Joao Moreira in the saddle, with Democracy Manifest slotted just behind in our tips.
THE SPORTING NEWS EXERT TIPS: Kovalica ($9.00) or Democracy Manifest ($10)
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