There maps to be heaps of pace in this event and that should suit GUNNISON, the early favourite. He ran very well first-up this term over the minimum trip and with all the speed in the race, he can post another win. The pace might also suit SUPER HOPPY who has moved nicely in a recent trial. He has drawn wide and probably must concede ground in the early stages, but he does possess a powerful finish. CALIFORNIA FORTUNE worked too hard last time and if he doesn’t get involved in a speed battle then he can run well. The likelihood of not getting involved doesn’t look high though. Of the other on-pace horses, CHEERFULJET has to be given a serious chance to figure. He was game behind Saul’s Special at his last outing and could go one better. Cheerfuljet would need an easy fraction though and again given the predicted race shape, this doesn’t look likely.