Anne Herbert has been patient with Prairie Star. The mare's races have been well spaced, which her recent form reflects.
Even if you accept that The Terminator will improve with that last race, so will Prairie Star.
The High Chaparral mare has been nurtured into a race like this. She gets into it on a magnificent 52kg and is likely to charge down the outside under Craig Grylls, who rode her to win at Te Rapa last month.
Weight might be the determining factor in this race.
Prairie Star's 52kg compared with topweight Red Ruler's 59kg does not look impressive.
The 7kg difference is not the only disadvantage to the best-credentialled horse in the field; Red Ruler's No 22 barrier draw makes it so much more difficult.
For all that, he is a strong horse and has beaten better fields than this.
Local November Rain is a big threat. The overall form might look ordinary, but the last-start victory brought back memories of the best of the ability.
There was always a suggestion of a win like this and this is a runner you can't leave out of all multiple investments.
The upset factor in this race looks enormous.
Don Domingo, wide draw and all, Mr Tipsy and Indikator are all in there with a chance of figuring.
None of the races Don Domingo has competed in since he resumed have really suited him and this race does.
He is a very underrated stayer and the 2400m might see him produce something a lot closer to his best form.
Mr Tipsy flopped completely last start at Ellerslie, but is much better than that and is from a stable which knows how to win major races. He also has a good record here, winning his only two starts.
Any rain would suit Intransigent, who has hit a rich vein of form and beat Mr Tipsy home in the Rotorua Plate last month.
