The 2026 Golden Slipper sets up as a high-pressure, tactical contest with luck in run to play its part.

With multiple horses drawn wide that will be ridden with intent, the expectation is that the race will be run at a strong tempo through the early and middle stages.

At Rosehill over 1200m, position in run is critical. Of the last 10 years, 9 winners have settled top 6 in run, with the exception being Fireburn who settled beyond midfield along the rails.

The rails in run has always been a huge advantage in the Golden Slipper, since 1990; 8-winners have landed 3-pairs back the fence, that’s three more wins than leaders who have won (5), with 4-pairs back the fence producing (5) as well.

With that in mind, this year’s race looks set up for runners that can hold a position without being exposed early, particularly those drawn low to middle barriers.

Interestingly, the top of the market is dominated by fillies, and they look well placed to capitalise on the fast tempo.

Mick Gannon

The Sydney Set crew of Mick Gannon, Tom Papley and Matt Cambpbell provided teir Top 4 and $100 staking plans for the Slipper.

Gannon’s Top 4

14 - Chayan
Chayan profiles as the best horse in the race off her dominant Reisling win and is the one they all have to beat. Her ability to absorb pressure and sustain a strong finish makes her ideally suited to a race that looks likely to be run at genuine tempo. From barrier 12, she should settle midfield with cover and build into the race at the right time.

12 - Streisand
Streisand the winner of the key form line, the Blue Diamond, maps to land midfield with cover. She has the ability to travel at a good clip, before quickening off a solid tempo. In a fast-run race, her racing style gives her every chance to be in the finish.

13 - Spicy Miss
Spicy Miss is the runner most likely to get the ideal Golden Slipper run. From barrier 5, she has the speed to hold her position early without being pressured into leading, which should allow her to land in that sweet spot three-pairs-back the fence. At the price, she shapes as one of the better value chances in the race.

9 - Campione D’Italia
Campione D’Italia brings a contrasting profile and we’re yet to see his ceiling. I love the booking of D Lane who will have him in a good rhythm and poised to strike on turning for home. From barrier 4, he’ll can settle four pairs back the fence and should relish the forecast fast tempo.

Campbell's Top 4

12 - Streisand
14 - Chayan
3 - Guest House
2 - Closer to Free

Papley's Top 4

14 - Chayan
13 - Spicy Miss
12 - Streisand
3 - Guest House

$100 Slipper staking plan

Gannon: $100 Boxed first four - 7,9,10,12,13,14

Papley: $50 Spicy Miss and $50 Boxed first four - 2,3,4,12,13,14

Campbell: $50 Chayan and $50 Streisand

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