Peter McKay is an astute trainer and if he thought Vincent Mangano needed a race going into this event he would have given him one.
The speedster is ideally suited to Rotorua and makes a lot of appeal.
Three-year-olds have a remarkable record in this race.
Even though the scale has been raised to the point the two acceptors this year carry 51kg, they still make appeal.
Stephen McKee has always had a big opinion of Society Lady.
Her first-up win this preparation was in only a R70 at Ruakaka, but there was a lot to admire about the effort.
She will be in this race for a long way.
Ready Steady has had only the two raceday starts, but looks smart.
Vonusti made up a huge amount of ground when resuming at Hastings, an effort which makes him a definite prospect here.
If the track stays wet, which looks a good bet, Cambridge stayer Mr Tipsy looks the leading prospect for the other feature race, the Platinum Homes NZ Rotorua Plate. Mr Tipsy essentially had a year off last season, but came back to it brilliantly over 1600m at Pukekohe last start.
John Gray, sixth behind Mr Tipsy at Pukekohe, looks a real threat.
His main form has been up to 1600m, but he has had a tough campaign this time in and should be ready for this.
The heavy track will suit horses like The Jungle Boy. He has mixed his form, but on his day in the wet he is more than capable.
Hurricane Mickey, a winner on the course, is a strong each-way prospect.
Mr Tipsy looks the goods though.
He has form in better races than his opposition tomorrow can boast. Earlier on the day, Hilton and La Tourneau look good each-way prospects.
