SURROUND SOUND (1) is a promising gelding that has been freshened up since finishing sixth here as the favourite over 2000m in October. He is probably still on the weak side, but won't mind a firmer surface, and with the aid of a 3kg claim, he can have the last say. CEASE AND DESIST (6) won a trial prior to finding 1150m too short for him fresh up at Te Aroha. He strips fitter, and with the advantage of the pole position, he is set to be a quick improver. Stick with him. KING JAKKAL (3) stuck on gamely to finish fourth in a decent field here 8 weeks ago, and even from a wide gate, he is worthy of each-way consideration. RYDERS LEGACY (4) was showing talent at the trials prior to finishing fifth on debut here 8 weeks ago. The extra furlong will help him, and he can figure in the top 3 here. ERBYS DARCI (2) just battled into fourth on a heavy track here nearly 4 weeks ago, but he was closing in on his first win before that with a brace of third-place finishes here. Go again.