OVERVIEW: MAJESTIC MONARCH (4) won as an odds-on favourite when able to lead two starts back, then failed last time out, but it was a luckless run where he settled back in the field and was coming hard late, only to be denied clear running at a vital stage. In this company and from this draw, expect a more assertive drive at the start and for him to be hard to run down. DOSSIER (2) has been creeping down in grade each start and sucking me in, and she looks well placed again based on what her best level is capable of. She’s not a brilliant beginner, but if she can map behind the speed, or at worst three pegs, she’s a strong chance on a value basis. DISTANT SUN (10) will find this company more suitable than recent starts, and the claim of Blake Pace helps his chances. That pair combined for victory five starts back at Kilmore and can be strong late. CENTURION DREAM (11) will deservedly have some market support and does strike easier opposition, but she won’t have the opportunity to use her speed and map well, which is a slight negative. STRAIGHT TO THETOP (3) can normally show speed but mixes her tactics as to whether she holds the front or takes cover. She’s been fair lately, although there have been higher expectations based on her SP profile. BACK: MAJESTIC MONARCH (4) – 1.5 units (win)