Melbourne Cup winner Protectionist headlines a field of 12 acceptors for The BMW, a weight-for-age race that also includes the best horse among Japan's Sydney autumn carnival representation.

Protectionist will be trying to find winning form for the first time for trainer Kris Lees at Rosehill on Saturday after finishing unplaced in two starts since running away with last year's Melbourne Cup.

Much interest will surround To The World which steps out on Australian soil for the first time.

He will be trying to follow in the hoofsteps of Real Impact, the Japanese sprinter-miler which made a winning Sydney debut in the George Ryder Stakes last Saturday.

Chris Waller will have three BMW runners with the Melbourne Cup placegetter Who Shot Thebarman a clear top pick from his stable.

Star New Zealand mares Silent Achiever and Rising Romance are also in the field while Gai Waterhouse has accepted with Hampton Court, the only three-year-old in the race.

Import Hartnell will be trying to continue Godolphin's run of Group One success at weight-for-age after Contributer's Chipping Norton Stakes and Ranvet Stakes wins.

First Seal has drawn a middle gate in the Vinery Stud Stakes as she tries to make amends for her narrow defeat at Group One level in the Coolmore Classic.

The Vinery will also feature the Sydney debut of VRC Oaks winner Set Square.