MERLIN (4) comes off a rare unplaced performance in the Auckland Cup but he was going very well prior with a string of wins and placings, taking out the Group 2 Franklin Cup at Alexandra Park two back. Has strong statistics both here and at the distance so can bounce back to his winning ways. AKUTA (3) was terrific when beating all of these rivals and pushing topliner Republican Party for a close second in the Auckland Cup last time, suggesting he is returning to his best. Big distance drop but has won at this journey twice. If he performs up to the last effort he'll be hard to stop. LITTLE SPIKE (1) found the going a little tough in the Auckland Cup but had put together a string of top-two finishes prior and is aided by the draw. JOLIMONT (2) beat both Merlin and Little Spike home in the Auckland Cup and can mix it with them again.