tabhunter,I am in agreeance with EI,I never intended this debate to become agressive!The 7 imports you quote as winning the Cup,bar Vintage Crop were all trained here.Of the 8 imports running only two look like being ridden by our jockeys.Paddy Payne would not be riding an import if Northerly had run,which means only Ollie would be riding one!I would like to quote something that kiwi trainer Mark Walker(Distinctly Secret)had to say in today's Courier Mail..quote:"I went to England and Ireland 3 years ago and had a look at their racing and training.They run in Group 1 races sometimes with only 7 or 8 runners and the form is protected to retain their stud value.Most of the training is done in a straight line.Some of these horses are in for a shock when they get to the Cup with a full field and getting bumped and knocked around.Vinnie obviously comes with a good record,but he has to give Distinctly Secret 7.5 kgs.That's a huge advantage at 3200 metres.End quote.Mate,you are entitled to your opinion as I am to mine,so let's agree to disagree,ok?As to my assessment,I will post my final thoughts and selections on Monday.Can you do the same?Then on Wednesday we can either toast each other,or cry together!!!Please your top 4 selections.Cheers,