JUST JOAN and CHASING QUIVERS gain the opportunity to lead from THE CONTRACTOR and if he leaves the gates okay, he sometimes doesn't, FORTAINS. FLYING TRUFFLES performed below expectations at Newcastle on the Beaumont track last start but a switch back in distance and gear changes that have now been made can both aid her cause here at only her third run in a race. GYRA would only need to repeat her latest Beaumont track effort within this distance range at Newcastle to figure prominently in the finish again today. THE CONTRACTOR endured a tough run second up at Dubbo before he refused to shirk his task in defeat. He will have scope to improve today when he returns to his home base. VELKA is also in the mix after a solid performance third up at home (Muswellbrook).