1800m around here, always advantageous to draw an inside gate as turn number one comes up quickly after the start. Map suggests there's not a great deal of tempo, only 4 & 9 with on pace patterns, neither are leading types though. Difficult looking race even discounting the tempo concerns as many mix their form, HOVLAND failed due to the heavy ground last start, his prior form down south had been very consistent & he is only lightly raced with upside. He can take up a handy enough position & his jock is fresh off 4 winners at Doomben last Saturday. AMPLIFY an improver, gate not ideal.