WIRE ROPE (2) resumes after a break of five-and-a-half months. Did win at his only other first-up run when on debut, scoring over 1200m at Wanganui. Fitter for a fourth in a recent trial over 1000m at Waipukurau. Leading contender. CHARMER (9) is usually thereabouts but finds it hard to win, with just two wins from 23 starts. Again tasted defeat last start when eighth over 1200m at Te Rapa, beaten 2.75 lengths. Finds a more suitable contest and can take this out. PIERCING ARROW (5) was out of the money when resuming from a spell last start over 1200m at Ellerslie, beaten 5.5 lengths. Ideally placed and is sure to play a pivotal role. GET FUNKY (11) improved sharply last time out to score by 1.75 lengths over 1200m at this track a week-and-a-half ago. Nicely placed to find a top-three spot.