GUIDING LIGHT (9) made some solid progress without winning in her initial prep, ending that campaign with a brace of second-place finishes. She will be ready to rumble after a recent trial placing at Taupo, and despite a tricky gate, she will be hard to hold out, especially if the money comes for her. ELPEDRO (1) is a lightly tried 5YO gelding who is creeping closer to an overdue maiden win. His last 2 efforts on good tracks have been very sound, and if he can strike his preferred wet ground, then he will be hard to beat. HEAVY IS THE CROWN (2) won a trial prior to a battling effort fresh at Ellerslie nearly 2 weeks ago. He was placed in both of his starts in his initial prep last winter, and he will strip much fitter second up. Stick with him. INCREDIBLE PATCH (6) is probably a better chance in an earlier race, but if he starts here, he must be respected. AIN'T IT FUN (13) was runner-up on debut, and her first win is not far away. KIT ZAKAT (10) is another with rough top 4 claims.