There is not much speed on paper here with VITAL SPRING and SHANGHAI DRAGON the two runners that arguably are going to map nicely. Each of those runners though has had a run this season and neither was overly inspiring. Perhaps they needed the outing, but at the end of the day they have won one race between them. RED HORSE has had one run back this preparation and ran well. Interestingly on New Year’s Day earlier this year, he and EMPIRE STAR clashed over the course and distance (race 310) and there was little in it. Empire Star is a perennial placegetter, but this is probably as good a chance as he will get to win one. And then there is WITNESS HUNTER who had excuses first up this season but he actually performed quite well when wide and not given much peace. He looks suited with the step-up to 1400m, definitely has more upside and fewer convictions than his rivals.