A capacity field of eighteen has been confirmed for Saturday’s Listed Recognition Stakes (1400m) at Eagle Farm Racecourse, including some of Queensland’s standout short-course specialists.

Hopfgarten has been confirmed in the 2016 Recognition Stakes field. Photo: Daniel Costello

Hopfgarten is arguably the class horse of the 2016 Recognition Stakes field, but the five-year-old has been charged with overcoming a race-high 60kgs and will jump from barrier 12.

Producing a number of typically-smart efforts during the Brisbane Winter Carnival this year, including strong wins in each of the Listed Sunshine Coast Ascot Handicap (1200m) and Listed Wayne Wilson Mile (1600m), Hopfgarten returned in spring for fourth in the Listed Paris Lane Handicap (1400m).

While failing to fire in the Group 3 Moonga Stakes (1400m), the Mossman gelding was last seen charging home for sixth in the Group 1 Cantala Stakes (1600m) at Flemington on Derby Day.

Rudy has drawn into the Recognition Stakes field ideally in barrier 9, but the Gold Coast native is also charged with overcoming a heavy weight with 59.5kgs in tow.

Winner of the 2014 edition of the Group 2 Villiers Stakes (1600m), before a subsequent autumn preparation heralded a pleasing fourth in the Group 1 Doncaster Mile (1600m), Rudy has produced a number of typically-strong performances in 2016 and will carry benefit into the Recognition Stakes.

Resuming this year for sixth in the Group 2 Ajax Stakes (1500m), the Red Dazzler gelding placed third in the Group 3 Doncaster Prelude (1500m) before placing ninth in his second attempt at the Doncaster Mile.

Running on for fifth in the Group 3 JRA Plate (2000m) on April 16^th, Rudy returned to Queensland for a smart win in the Listed Tattersall’s Club Members’ Handicap (1600m) on May 14^th.

Having placed fifth in the Bowcock Bloodstock Handicap (1350m) first-up on November 16^th, Rudy is sure to have taken condition from the run and will be partnered by leading hoop Jim Byrne in the Recognition Stakes.

Cylinder Beach has been a standout performer for Desleigh Forster through his entire racing career so far and has drawn ideally into the Recognition Stakes field in barrier 4, with Luke Tarrant in the saddle.

Posting two wins and four minors through only ten competitive starts, Cylinder Beach resumed this year for a smart win in the Group 3 Gunsynd Classic (1630m) before placing second to Mackintosh in the Group 3 Rough Habit Plate (2000m).

While failing to fire through two subsequent winter starts, Forster has been thrilled with the returning condition of the Showcasing gelding, who will carry only 54kgs in the Recognition Stakes.

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2016 Recognition Stakes Field and Barrier Draw