MERCHANT BOSS (2) settled well back then picked up fairly well in the straight and finished 1.5 lengths away in fourth last time out over 1050m at Morphettville when first up from a spell. Steps up in distance today. Has a solid record at this circuit. Expected to be in the finish. RICHE D'AMOUR (4) was comfortably accounted for when 12th last time out over 1200m at Morphettville, beaten 6 lengths. That followed a win at this track at the previous outing. Beautifully placed and is sure to take a ton of beating. BIG BRUTE (9) is back at the races for the first time since September 21. Scored over 1200m at Balaklava to launch the last campaign. Looks one of the genuine hopes in the race. PROVEN CORRECT (3) finished eighth over 2000m at Murray Bridge at his most recent appearance on December 21. One to consider.