DESERT EAGLE (12) gets the nod on the strength of his seven-length C4 win from Knight Spire two starts back, with the return to 1000m and a third-up set-up both in his favour. He was only fourth when beaten six and a half lengths at C3 level last start, but he was respected in betting and now finds a more suitable assignment. EXCELLEN WINNER (9) is the proven threat after running second to Jasper Royal in B4 grade, beaten a length, and his four wins and three places from nine starts at this track and distance give him a strong platform. FINGAL'S CAVE (6) has been fourth at her past two in B4 company, both times beaten just under two lengths, and her track-and-distance record is sound enough to make her a genuine winning player. SILVER RIDER (7) has not been far away in C4 grade and gets weight relief, though his last-start sixth says he has a little to find to turn a placing profile into a winning one.