VERBANIA (7) sets the standard after being beaten only a long neck when third at this track, and the fact he was a short odds-on favourite shows the market already had him pegged as the one with the strongest profile. He has placed at both starts over 2000m and still has scope second-up. WINNING RAY (4) looks the main threat, with successive thirds and a solid record at the distance, while her latest effort at big odds suggests she is still improving. SCIA LUNARE (2) has also been knocking on the door, twice runner-up and narrowly ahead of Winning Ray in their recent meeting, though he has had chances to break through. BRIGHT SCENE (5) is less convincing on exposed form, but he comes back from a freshening and can press for minor money if he sharpens off the Sapporo runs.