COUNTRY STAR will be the shortest-priced runner on the card and the question for would-be backers clearly is, “how short is too short?” His win at his second career start rated highly enough to suggest even a repeat of that would be good enough for him to do the job up in this grade. He has trialed well since and it’s fair to assume that he’ll show improvement third-up tonight. Country Star maps to get a nice run in the race tucked in just behind the pace. BUOYANT BOY gets the 4.5kg claim and his end of season form was very good. The question is how Victor Wong will handle him given he hasn’t shown too much tactical speed early, he’s had two quite trials though which should have him close to ready. SUPER LEADER was ready to win at the end of last term and sits nicely in the handicap. His two trials have been very good in preparation and he’ll just need some luck from an awkward draw. TOP SCORE will strip fitter and should get every favour from barrier two. Monitor the price and if you can lock in better than $1.75 back Country Star to win. There looks like there could be a little fat in the quinellas taking it with BUOYANT BOY, TOP SCORE and SUPER LEADER.