Tough. RUADA (2) has had three starts back in better grade and is ready to show here best form. He races forward and the 1.5kg claim is handy. Presents on a 9-day return and the blinkers are on again. RESERVOIR DOG (8) skipped over to Adelaide and was beaten less than 2L in a 64 over 1800m. That reads well for this contest and he has an inside gate today. AKIHIRO (7) is proving hard to catch but his best form is good enough. His effort in a 58 two-back over this distance would see him in the finish. THE YACHTSMAN (4) deserved the 58 win at Wangaratta and there was a stack of merit in the effort. Has Rawiller engaged and he will be finishing hard. WHISPERING PHARAOH (6) comes back to the turf maps for a soft run. In the mix if he brings his A-game.