Lavra Joe has had little luck when forced to work from tougher barriers of late but he is a natural leader so will relish the ace draw.
He owns a 50 per cent strike rate at this distance and looks likely to hold the front from the mobile.
If that is the case he will take some getting past.
Magnificent Storm continues his bad luck with barriers and while he comes off an unplaced performance his form this time in has been first rate.
He'll likely have to do it the hard way but this has been one of his targets so with a touch of luck on his side he has the class.
Diego comes in as the form runner having led to win his last two starts here including last week's Stratton Cup.
He drew the ace in both of those and may not be able to get to the front this time but is still drawn well enough to make an impact again.
Minstrel draws the back row but was beaten just a head from a similar barrier last start.
He races well third up so could be ready to strike if things go his way.
The Group 2 Shepparton Cup is Saturday night's highlight where the spotlight will be on Inter Dominion champ I Cast No Shadow.
He steps out for the first time since that triumph where he stalked the leader and unleashed along the sprint lane.
He is drawn to land in an ideal spot so will be tough to beat.
Former Kiwi Cranbourne provides interest in his first Australian start since joining David Aiken.
He has been racing in good company on the other side of the Tasman including a Group 3 placing three back and has been readied with a trial win.
Things didn't pan out for Majestic Cruiser in the Inter Dominion series but he was terrific in New Zealand before that.
He'll come in fresh so this is a chance to hit reset on the campaign while Sicario must be respected off a strong showing for second in the Bendigo Cup in his first outing for Jason Grimson.
BEST BETS:
Menangle Saturday Race 6 #2 Tasty Delight @ $2.30 – He was terrific when edged out first up from a long layoff. Fitter and beautifully drawn to go one better.
Shepparton Saturday Race 5 #6 Outlaw Man @ $3.00 - Has the form on the board and offers decent odds for a horse in winning form.
