PROTAGONIST (6) was dominant when second-up at Newcastle last week, leading and cruising home by close to 10m. Draws wider and steps up in grade but that last hitout should have brought him to his peak and he is a talent so can strike again. OAKIE SMOKESHOW (8) is a lightly--raced but promising gelding yet to miss the top-two. Made a winning return at his latest appearance at Menangle, overcoming a wide barrier and getting home by 5 metres. Draws on the back row but won his only previous second-up attempt so should be further improved. He is a danger with even luck. MIKI BE GOOD (3) came from the back row and was only 1.4m behind a handy mare at Goulburn last start. Led from this barrier and cruised home at Junee prior so the draw works in his favour. VIEW THE ART (1) should get a soft run from the inside draw. That could see her in the first four.