PROTAGONIST (5) is back tonight after a layoff of eight months. Closed the last prep with back-to back wins, the latest when leading from this barrier to score by 2.8 metres at Newcastle. Readied with a placing in a city trial so expecting a bright start to the campaign. GLENEAGLE RULER (8) settled in front and kept going to record a emphatic 10 metre win last start at Parkes, his third success from his last four starts. Gets a soft run on the inside of the second line and if he gets the gaps can play a major role again. MIKI BE GOOD (4) should find this easier than the last attempt at Menangle and had recorded three successive placings prior so deserves another chance. OURSURFINSAFARI (1) came from a very wide barrier at Menangle four days but is much better served by this draw and the prior form was sound.