Shoes, Churchillian and Merchant Queen to take up the running at a decent tempo. SHOES (6) had to work hard to find the front in a tougher field at Ellerslie 3 weeks ago, and then failed to run out the trip as well as expected. She cops another wide gate, but with a softer lead, she could take a lot of pegging back, especially on this circuit. DECEMBER (2) finished runner-up in the same race as the top pick when second up from a spell. He will be spot on with his fitness, and with a big swing in his draw, he can go one better. MERCHANT QUEEN (9) will be bringing in the same form line as the top 2 picks, and she will also be at her peak fitness fourth up from a spell. She has form in the wet, but if she strikes a firmer surface, she is good enough to win a race like this. Stick with her. MAD MAX (11) may have found 1100m a touch too short for him at Trentham nearly a fortnight ago, and he will also be a lot sharper with less time between his runs. Each way value. CHURCHILLIAN (4) resumes from a spell with a recent trial under his belt. A good draw helps. Include. SUGGESTED PLAY: Mad Max each way.