SOONER THE BETTOR (8) made it two wins from his last three appearances a week ago, getting home by 6 metres over 2200m at this track. Must overcome a very wide draw. His last-start form is good enough to take out a race like this. BETTER KNUCKLE UP (6) finished third at this track two runs ago before a comparable effort at his latest appearance over 3200m at this track, beaten 11 metres. This doesn't look as hard so he is sure to prove tough to beat. RUBIRA (7) resumes following a layoff of three-and-a-half months. Generally comes to hand very quickly, with four wins from four first-up appearances. Will need a bit of luck negotiating a very wide starting position. Likely to run a big race to kick off this campaign. LADY OF THE LIGHT (5) resumes from a spell. Last appeared when a modest eighth over 1700m at this track 11 weeks ago. Fresh-up can place.