THE BMW

HISTORY

* First run in 1963 when won by Maidenhead

* From 1963-76 was a Quality Handicap

* Until 1990 was the HE Tancred Stakes, until 1995 The BMW, until 2002 Mercedes Classic before reverting to The BMW

* In 1964 was run over 10 furlongs (2000m)

* Some greats of the Australasian turf have won the race including: Hyperno (1978), Kingston Town (1980), Bonecrusher (1986), Beau Zam (1988), Octagonal (1996, 1997), Might And Power (1998), Tie The Knot (1999, 2000), and Makybe Diva (2005)

* Tie The Knot and Octagonal are the only horses to win the race consecutively

* Nine horses have completed the Ranvet Stakes-BMW double in the same year: Alibhai (1985), Myocard (1987), Beau Zam (1988), Stony Bay (1995), Tie The Knot (2000), Eremein (2006), Tuesday Joy (2008), Manighar (2012) and Silent Achiever (2014).

TALKING POINTS

* Melbourne Cup winner Protectionist chasing his first win for trainer Kris Lees

* To The World, the highest-rated of the Japanese visitors, makes his Australian debut

* Rising Romanace to back up after being beaten as favourite in Epona Stakes last weekend

* Hampton Court attempting to become fourth three-year-old winner in past 15 years after Curata Storm (2001), Grand Zulu (2004), and Fiveandahalfstar (2013).

THE FAVOURITES

Godolphin import Hartnell has had two Australian starts for a Group One second to stablemate Contributer and a last-start win in the Sky High Stakes. His European form indicates he will be better again over 2400m. To The World was second to champion mare Gentildonna in the Arima Kinen at his most recent run in Japan and has impressed jockey Nick Hall since his arrival in Sydney.

SPEED MAP

Fast Dragon took up his customary leadership role in the Ranvet Stakes and should again set the pace. Hampton Court has been ridden quietly over shorter trips this campaign but is capable of going forward, particularly from a wide draw. Trainer John O'Shea has indicated Hartnell will be ridden conservatively while To The World settled better than midfield when runner-up in the Arima Kinen.