CHEERGAL (3) closed off strongly at her second run back when a tenacious third from the wide draw over 1400m at Newcastle. Broke her maiden status over this trip last prep and is ready to go on with it now. Hard to hold out. MERCHANT GOLD (4) beat an average field at the Gold Coast on debut three back, then returned to form with a plugging third to Lugh over 1200m at Newcastle. Trained on the track and Nock's 2kg claim will see him play a leading role over the extra distance. RAMPAZETTO (6) rewarded for his consistency when getting off the mark at start eight with a fast finishing win over 1600m at Newcastle last start. This is not an overly strong race and is expected to take a hand in the finish again. NIGHT PATRA (7) will relish the drop in weight and 1600m third up. Raced much closer to the speed when going under narrowly at Tamworth. Senior rider on today and his best form is good enough to take this out.