SCRATCHED.

Led and was only run down late when fourth at Eagle Farm last start, beaten just over two lengths in mid-week company on soft ground. That followed a comfortable Gold Coast Poly win over 1540m, where he beat Flying Bat by just under two lengths. Stephanie Tierney knows him well and he rates as a genuine winning chance.

Returns after five weeks since finishing fourth in a Class 5 at this track, beaten just under three lengths after beginning awkwardly and covering ground without cover from the 700m. The start prior at Birdsville was poor, with Raetihi beating him by over 14 lengths in an Open. Capable of a minor finish if the race sets up.

Returns from a two-month break after finishing last in a BM74 at Caulfield, beaten over 10 lengths behind Emperor Tzu after failing to close off. His Rosehill BM78 run prior was also well held at long odds. Class relief and 1400m form help, but recent efforts demand sharp improvement.

Third-up now after finishing sixth at Warwick over 1200m, beaten just under four lengths after racing wide and fading late. She was also safely held first-up at Ipswich, though there was interference leaving the 800m. Has to lift.

Backs up quickly after a fifth at Eagle Farm on heavy ground, where he sat handy and was safely held, beaten just over three lengths. The start prior reads better, finishing second to Italian Dancer at Gold Coast Poly after travelling well and working home evenly. Must turn the tables on Italian Dancer to win.

Was well beaten as a well-supported favourite in a BM65 at Sunshine Coast last start, giving in badly on heavy ground with no clear excuse. The Geelong run prior was much better, finishing third in a BM62 on soft ground behind In'Kantosstar. A solid Deagon trial since is useful, and his 1400m record is strong, but he has to rebound sharply to be a winning factor. Worth including.

Had genuine excuses when fourth in a Class 4 at Sunshine Coast, beaten just over half a length after knuckling at the start and racing wide throughout. He had made solid inroads from well back the run prior despite being hampered at the jump. Proven at 1400m and looks a major winning chance.

Resumes after six months off following a disappointing end to his last campaign, when last at Warwick Farm and beaten over 18 lengths behind Hovland. He had been unplaced at long odds the run prior and has only one previous try around 1400m without a placing. Others look safer.

Was ninth at Eagle Farm last start, beaten eight and a half lengths behind The Dramatist after settling close enough and making no impact. The Lismore Open run prior was also plain at long odds, despite a slow early incident. Hard to recommend.

Returns after five weeks since finishing sixth in a Class 5 at this track, beaten three and a half lengths after being poised to challenge but failing to finish off. She was also well held at Sunshine Coast two back, beaten just over seven lengths after being hampered at the start. The 1400m record gives her some hope, but she has to find more at this venue. Happy to overlook this time.

Finished second last as favourite in a Class 2 at Sunshine Coast on heavy ground, beaten just over seven lengths behind Col Burn without a clear excuse. Her previous run was a much stronger guide, winning a BM65 at this track by just over half a length from Duke Of Camden. With a prior win at this venue and distance, she remains a realistic place chance if she returns to that earlier form. Deserves a spot.

Returns after six weeks off a determined Class 3 win at Lismore, where she beat Warrior Bae by a nose despite being forced wide late. Her Grafton BM66 run before that was sound enough, beaten two and a half lengths from a rearward position. Harder now, but she has a genuine place case.

Returns after five weeks following a sound fifth in Saturday company at Eagle Farm, beaten just over three lengths behind Easy Love at big odds. Before that he was dominant in a Class 2 at Beaudesert, beating Cheerful Cat by five and a half lengths as a well-supported favourite. His 1400m record and Beaudesert win make him the one to beat.