Copy That didn't really fire in his last Australian visit but went on a winning spree in his homeland since then including his second New Zealand Cup.
He is joined by the resuming Old Town Road who really stepped up to the top level during his last campaign while the former NZer Cranbourne won his first outing for new trainer David Aiken in last week's Shepparton Cup and is drawn to make an impact again.
The Australian contingent is strong, headed by Major Meister who is three from three from Jason Grimson, spanking his rivals in the Cranbourne Cup two back then copping a severe check but overcoming it to win the Bendigo Cup.
Rock N Roll Doo is under a cloud after he was pulled up last time but if he finds the form that saw him take out last year's Victoria Cup he can win from a good draw.
Inter Dominion winner I Cast No Shadow and multiple ID heat winners Honolua Bay and Mach Dan add to a race packed with quality and depth.
Just Believe returns from his Inter Dominion heroics earlier on the night in the EB Cochran Trotters Cup.
He has enjoyed a let-up since winning all four rounds of the Inter Dominion trotting series, overcoming a second row draw and sitting parked to tough out a win in the final.
He gets the same barrier he had on that occasion and if he can hold his form he will be hard to stop.
Aldebaran Zeus led to beat several of these rivals and claim the G1 Maori Mile last start at Bendigo. It's a tougher task from the back row but he steps up to a distance where he owns a 50 per cent strike rate.
Im Ready Jet has been solid in two starts since a spell, missing by a nose fresh then sitting parked for fourth in the Maori Mile. She races well here and has won three of four third-up attempts so could be ready to peak.
Hopeful Beauty has recorded back-to-back G1 seconds so must be respected despite a tough draw.
BEST BETS:
Menangle Saturday Race 4 #2 Cantfindabettorman @ $2.20 – He is a smart pacer resuming from a good draw in a suitable assignment so looks very well placed.
Ballarat Saturday Race 8 #9 Pacifico Dream @ $7.50 – He won second-up after a year on the sidelines and while he draws the back row he is open to further improvement so makes each way appeal.
