Lazarus kicks off the likely New Zealand domination in the A$200,000 Victoria Derby and is rated a $1.40 favourite even after drawing four on the second line as the local crop is strong but lacking in star power.
Ohoka Punter wouldn't be out of place in the Victoria Cup but trainer Tony Herlihy has opted for the standing start Pure Steel over 2760m as he thinks it is a better lead-up to the Hunter Cup. Off the front line he will be very short after a track record Shepparton Cup win 12 days ago.
Smolda's big week has continued after his win in the Ballarat Cup as he will start from four in the Victoria Cup, most crucially inside key rival Lennytheshark (barrier six).
Whoever reaches the marker pegs first out of the pair is the one to beat and with Smolda having the draw to achieve that he opened the post-draw $2.30 favourite with the Australian TAB.
Not so lucky was fellow Kiwi pacer Mossdale Conner, whose winning chances look all but ended by drawing the second line.
And even though he faces a 20m handicap in the A$50,000 Australasian Trotting Champs. Monbet has been backed in from $1.60 to $1.40 after his ruthless display at Ballarat last Saturday night, where he smashed the track record winning by 19m.
He has been further aided by the big names from the other of last Saturday's heats drawing the second line, while pre-series second favourite Arboe has been withdrawn.