(See the latest odds) Elusive Dream, second over the course last time out is a tentative selection in what is a very moderate heat to get proceedings underway. Formerly trained by Derek Shaw, the selection was making his debut for Paul Howling and returning from a four month absence last time. Possibly slightly ring rusty he was uncharacteristically slowly away but came home with a real flourish. The drop back in trip should not overly inconvenience him.

 Dangers to the selection include recent course and distance winner Welcome Approach who was seen to take advantage of a plum draw and a sizeable drop in the weights to score over C&D last time. He now has the burden of stall 13 to overcome which is a negative with regard to his chances. Market support for Tugalu would make that of some interest, given the fact his drop in the weights makes him eligible now for this band of race. Billy Red has been contesting better handicaps to this and running creditably. Handicap debutant Casela Park and the recently returned Tarkamara, who interestingly Paul Cole has decided to remain loyal to are others worth keeping an eye on in the market but Elusive Dream is selected to land the opener.