NOVAK (1) was given a short break after finishing sixth over 2200m at Trentham. Kept ticking over with a subsequent trial at Cambridge Synthetic. Likely to take beating if he finds his best form. SONGWRITER (2) was doing his best work late last start to get up for second over 1600m at Hawera. Likely to feature. JUSTASKPERCY (5) doesn't boast the best winning strike rate but ran a strong race last time out, finishing third and beaten only 1.75 lengths over 1600m at Riccarton Park Synthetic. Has the talent to figure prominently. RISCHIO (6) hasn't been able to break through for an extended period, the latest effort a sixth over 2200m at Trentham. Has the talent to take care of this field.