Protector bids for Sunline follow-up

The former Stuart Kittow-trained mare, now under the care of Robert Smerdon, is one of 14 runners in the Aus$200,000 contest, which is due off at 9.45pm (10.45am UK time). She won the race comfortably last year, scoring by two lengths.

On her most recent start, at Flemington, she reared as the stalls opened and ejected jockey Craig Williams, but she has since been through a test at Caulfield and jumped cleanly from the gate without any issues.