ZORBA (3) has had 2 starts for a couple of sound efforts over a middle distance, and he looks to be well placed third up in an amateur riders race. He gets through wet ground, and will be grinding home late. Hard to beat. THE REPUBLICAN (1) dropped his rider over hurdles last time out, and before that he was second by a short-head on the flat. Lisa Kennedy is usually the rider to beat at this level, so expect him to bounce straight back into the money here. LES BOOTS (5) resumes from a spell without a trial, which is a big query, but his stable usually carries support when the team is ready to fire, so check the market. POPINJAY (2) has fewer convictions than most of his rivals, and his first 2 starts this prep where solid enough. Include in all top 4 combos here. WIND TALKER (9) ran on stoutly to finish runner-up by a short-head on the poly track at Awapuni 9 days ago, and that sort of form makes him a top 3 threat in this.