Every advantage Final Touch has this time is matched by Survived, with one exception - Final Touch has had two preparation races leading into this and Survived just the one.
Staying types like Survived often show a good 1400m sprint in their resuming run, but many often balance that by being slightly flat in their second start. John Bary is certain that will not be the case this time, but even a slight leaning that way would give Final Touch an edge. On better footing Xanadu is likely to be steaming home late, along with Nashville.
It's almost a cliche to be on Back In Black (No4, R2) at this carnival - his record is actually outstanding - and he gets a chance again.
This is not an outstanding line-up and Back In Black is going to be better suited to the improved track than most runners. He wasn't ready for the 1600m at Ruakaka two starts back then failed to fire in the deep stuff on Makfi day here. This could be a better story.
Crocodile Canyon (No2) and the improving Sou'East (No12) are value runners.
Smartly (No3, R3) could run a better race on this track. She is well named for the days she is in form and her effort last start was a bit better than it looked. She has a barrier she can take advantage of.
This is a tough race. Go Joeli (No4) will like the 2000m here and deserves attention after his good 1600m fourth last start at Te Rapa.
The favoured runners here Anotherchancetaken (No1) and Pencuri (No7) are likely to appreciate wetter footing than they will strike.
Ginner Hart (No2, R4) is unbeaten in three career starts when resuming from a spell. He is only a touch off the best sprinters around and from a nice barrier he rates highly today in the open sprint. Capital Diamond (No5) also has a good record when fresh and also has a nice barrier gate to work with. She should have been brought closer to fitness with her recent barrier trial. Joey Massino (No4) should be improved by his Ruakaka fresh-up effort. The Gold Trail Stakes is going to be a beaut. Bounding (No2, R5) has the key No 1 barrier and is certain to use it. She was stylish in winning when resuming at Taupo and will be sharp for this. Fantastic Honour (No3) is a filly on the improve. She was impressive in flashing up late to finish second first-up and will be 100 per cent fit for this. Orbity (No1) has won five straight, essentially on footing more rain-affected than she strikes today. She had blistering speed, though, and is right in this race.
Poneke (No6, R7) is smart and didn't get the right run when beaten favourite last time. This should be different. Local Tradtri (No5) possibly needed his fresh run at Taupo and a better guide was his close second in a tougher grade than this the start before. He has drawn nicely and should be at reasonable odds.
Scapolo (No2, R9) is the goods. He has 61kg, but Michael Dee will strip 3kg off that and for one of his class the 58kg is not too bad.
Whatever beats him wins even though there are some smart sorts engaged. If Ringo (No18) gets a run off the ballot he cannot be left out and neither can Popeye Braggins (No10).
At Pukekohe, in testing conditions, Silverdale (No6, R2) is worth a look fresh from a break and Zinko (No1, R4) should be improved for his recent race. In the same race Cornelius (No2) is better than his last effort suggests.
A small field with no noted front-runner and a group one prize at the end.
Today's George Main Stakes at Randwick is shaping as a battle of tactics and Veyron's trainer Linda Laing is not revealing hers. "I don't want to give too much away," she said. "I'll discuss it with Christian [Reith]."
Punters have been quick to drop off Veyron. He was sent out favourite for the Chelmsford but at $14 is the second outsider of the George Main Stakes field.additional reporting AAP
