SOONER THE BETTOR (7) has been freshened since fading out of the NZ Cup and this is a big class drop. Fourth in the Kaikoura Cup prior and he'll relish the return to this circuit having kicked off his campaign with a hat trick of wins here, highlighted by his victory over Merlin in the G3 Holmes DG. The one to beat. JOLIMONT (8) draws wide but came from a 30m handicap to win here two back and is suited dropping to the mile as he strikes at 50 per cent at the distance. MHAI SURFER GIRL (3) has been quite consistent of late and comes off a G1 pacing in last week's Queen of Hearts against the girls. The good draw brings her into contention. INVISIBLE (9) may need some luck from the second line but is race fit now and looks close to a win following back-to-back seconds here.