SYDNEY CUP

HISTORY

* Sydney's premier staying event first run in 1866 when won by Yattendon

* Honour roll includes: The Barb (1868-69), Carbine (1889-90), Wakeful (1902), Eurythmic (1921), Rogilla (1933), Sailor's Guide (1956), Sharply (1961), Galilee (1967), Reckless (1977), Double Century (1979), Kingston Town (1980), Our Paddy Boy (1981), Tie The Knot (1998-99) and Makybe Diva (2004).

TALKING POINTS

* Protectionist can become first horse since Makybe Diva in 2003/04 to win Melbourne and Sydney Cups in same season

* Red Cadeaux will miss the race in favour of the Queen Elizabeth

* In-form Hartnell gets into race on 52kg limit

RACE PATTERN

* Au Revoir shapes as the likely leader up to this trip while Like A Carousel, Big Memory, Don Doremo and favourite Hartnell are all capable of taking up forward positions. Melbourne Cup winner Protectionist and third placegetter Who Shot Thebarman race best when they are ridden off the speed and allowed to run home.