KIWI SKYHAWK (15) was a brave runner-up off a wide gate here 3 weeks ago, and he can secure a run to suit from a superior draw this time. The extra furlong will suit him, and he is the one to beat for us. THE PRECURSOR (17) is a very promising staying gelding that will appreciate stepping up to 2400m at only his fourth run this prep. He was a game winner at Trentham 3 weeks ago, and he can repeat the dose. JUST CHARLIE (12) had a lovely tune-up for this 5 days ago at Waipukurau 5 days ago. He cops a wide gate, but his stable can never be left out of any top 4 combinations. WHANGAEHU (3) flashed home late out wide here 3 weeks ago in a run that nobody missed. The extra 200m will help him, and he can have the last say this time. INTERPRETATION (4) tried hard to the Wellington Cup when finishing eighth. He is better placed in this, and a form reversal would not shock. BRAYDEN STAR (2) is a very capable Aussie visitor who won a trial at Cranbourne earlier in the month. Don't risk him.