On pace runners, 2, 5, 8, 10. CROOK was solid at Coonamble last start when she was competing after an almost five week break. This quicker back-up (twenty days) can now be regarded as a plus. FETES DES MERES is trained here and she kept trying in defeat at home last start. Stepping back significantly in distance form 1400m can be coped with when she presents after a freshen-up this afternoon. SMART AND DAPPER has scope to improve after performing well above market place expectations when she second up last start at Tamworth. He has raced well before over this journey and he can do so again today. HOW'S IT KEV is resuming up after trialing at his Orange home base twelve days ago. He's proven first up, he's proven here at Dubbo and he's proven over this trip. He is suitably placed again today