SMOKIN JOE (3) resumes in a similar race to his last run eight months ago when he scored by 2.25 lengths. Has found the right race. AUTHENTIC COWTOWN (4) made it back-to-back wins when successful last start over 1207m at Mahoning Valley (Dirt), getting home by 0.8 lengths. Winning rider Erik Barbaran retains the mount. Going up a level this time but he deserves plenty of thought. SILENT DRILL (5) met with solid support last start over 1207m at Mahoning Valley (Dirt) when sixth, beaten 11 lengths. Great chance to atone. MERGER (7) returns from a layoff of six-and-a-half months. Worth noting he filled a minor placing when returning from a spell last time in work over 1106m at this track. Yet to win first up but generally runs well with two minor placings from three tries. Looks a strong top-three prospect.