PLACEMENT (2) is the one to beat after doing everything right in two starts at this venue, first going under by half a length on debut before returning to win a 3yo Maiden by five lengths from Win Beginning. He resumes after six months away, but the race record is clean and Christophe Lemaire goes back aboard after winning on him. MASATCHE HAMMER (3) is the main threat, having won his 1600m maiden at this track after a close second to Medici Power at Nakayama Dirt, and his four-start record gives him a reliable platform. EDWARD BAROWS (5) has been off the scene for ten months, though a neck second and a closing fifth at this venue last campaign keep him in the minor mix. G T BLACK (10) is fitter third-up, owns a win from two starts at this track, and his neck second two runs back gives him enough substance to be competitive for a placing again.