The Group 1 $1.5m Epsom Handicap at Randwick on Saturday has drawn together a field of quality gallopers.

There was a field of 14 runners declared for the 1600m contest.

Here is a runner-by-runner analysis of every horse set to line up on Saturday.

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1 – CEOLWULF

Looking to become the first horse since Desert War in 2005 to go back-to-back in the race. Proven weight-for-age performer that should be right at his top fourth-up into the preparation. Carries 4kg more than what he did in 2024.

VERDICT: Has to be respected.

Epsom winner Ceolwulf with a huge run wins the G1 King Charles III Stakes in front of a record crowd at Randwick!@PrideRacing | @SchofieldChad@aus_turf_club | @WorldPoolpic.twitter.com/28oRVnurKS

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) October 19, 2024

2 – PERICLES

Maintained his strong first-up record when demolishing his rivals in the Tramway Stakes at his first start for the Bjorn Baker stable. Winless in 12 starts at Group 1 level but it looks like he’s going better than ever.

VERDICT: In the mix.

Pericles too good in the Tramway!@BBakerRacing has picked up a beauty 🤭 pic.twitter.com/PJGlPIWn7P

— 7HorseRacing 🐎 (@7horseracing) September 6, 2025

3 – YELLOW BRICK

Queensland raider that has been disappointing at his two starts this spring. Likely to be ridden cold from barrier 11 and that’s where he’s been at his best. Runner-up in the Stradbroke Handicap earlier this year but this is much harder.

VERDICT: Needs to improve.

4 – AUTUMN GLOW

She’s drawn the widest possible barrier but history suggests it’s not the worst thing. Since 2011 there’s been nine horses to win the race from double-digit barriers, most recently in last year’s renewal when Ceolwulf won from 15. It’s impossible to poke holes in this unbeaten mare and she’s a well deserved favourite. Let’s just hope the barrier gives us a better price.

VERDICT: Hard to beat.

Autumn Glow stays perfect! 🌟

She keeps her unbeaten record intact with victory in the G2 Theo Marks Stakes.@KPMcEvoy@cwallerracingpic.twitter.com/UoI1hlapKa

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) September 13, 2025

5 – PIER

Kiwi raider that was very good on resumption when running on for third behind Autumn Glow. Found the 1300m too sharp for him that day but up to a mile is perfect. Gets a weight swing on Autumn Glow and is drawn right next to her in barrier 13.

VERDICT: A worthy challenger to the favourite.

6 – WILLYDOIT

Former Kiwi now with the Ciaron Maher camp. Sneaky good run first-up in the Tramway Stakes after being snagged back from a wide barrier and he was also poorly treated at the weights with 58kg. Drops down to 53kg for this and steps up to a mile. He’s a New Zealand Derby winner but you could argue his best wins have been at a mile.

VERDICT: Each-way chance.

7 – ENCAP

Competitive in a Doncaster Mile earlier in the year when third to Stefi Magnetica and he gets here in similar form. His racing pattern can make it tough for him to win races and it’s why he’s only won two from 24. Will get his chance with only 52kg to carry.

VERDICT: Place claims.

Stradbroke winner Stefi Magnetica reigns supreme in the G1 Doncaster Mile, as @BBakerRacing and Jason Collett celebrate another success ! 🙌@aus_turf_club | @WorldPoolpic.twitter.com/13Mkg5tEdS

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) April 5, 2025

8 – EL CASTELLO

Group 1 winner that had his first run since last year’s Victoria Derby in the Theo Marks Stakes. Ran well on that occasion and will no doubt strip fitter from the effort. Likely to continue to improve with fitness and as he steps out in trip, but he’s got some strong performances at the mile.

VERDICT: Will run a good race without placing.

9 – DEPTH OF CHARACTER

Should be at his peak third-up into the campaign and showed good improvement last time out when running third to With Your Blessing in the Bill Ritchie. Nothing he has shown to date would suggest that he’s up to Group 1 level.

VERDICT: Not here.

10 – SWIFTFALCON

Polarising galloper that has the talent to win at this level but due to his racing pattern, finds it hard to win races. With only 50kg on his back, he’s no doubt going to have fans and his two runs this time in have been good.

VERDICT: Can’t rule him out.

11 – FULLY LIT

Going good this campaign with two placings and a win from his last three. Probably just failed to run out the trip at his last two runs and in a high pressure mile, it’s hard to imagine him being able to hang on and run top three.

VERDICT: Not here.

12 – VERONA ROSE

Lightly raced mare that hit the line well last time out in the Tibbie Stakes behind Oh Diamond Lil. History would suggest that’s not the right form race to be following into this. She’s drawn well down in barrier three though and has Group 1-winning rider Ben Thompson in the saddle.

VERDICT: Looks outclassed.

Oh Diamond Lil puts in a sparkling performance to win the Tibbie Stakes 🏆 @RachelK11pic.twitter.com/JnFlgG2hKx

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) September 19, 2025

13 – MAGNATEAR

Had his first crack at Group level last time out in the Cameron Handicap and he ran well, finishing fifth behind Headley Grange. This is by far the toughest test of his career.

VERDICT: This is too hard.

14 – LORD PENMAN

A certainty beaten last time out at this track and distance in benchmark grade. His only crack at a stakes race came earlier this year when outclassed in the NZB Kiwi, but he’s going much better now with Chris Waller and has plenty of X-factor.

VERDICT: Not the worst.

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TIPS

1st – Autumn Glow (No.4)

2nd – Pier (No.5)

3rd – Willydoit (No.6)

4th – Ceolwulf (No.1)