GOLD MINER (2) was in winning form two back (19.66) at this track but ran below best last time there, finishing 6th. Strike rate this course and distance strong having won five of seven tries. Comes out of a solid form race last start. Rates on top in this line up. SANDY BALE (1) was in the money two back in a Grade 5 at Muswellbrook then jumped from a squeeze draw last time and was not far away when third (20.15) over 340m at this track. Expecting sharp improvement this line-up. MORTAR (5) had a tough draw to overcome and was game in defeat when only 0.8 lengths from Salamat in second (19.85) at this track. Although beaten ran one of the quickest times on the card last start. Must be included in calculations. BEAR MAN (6) should bounce back after an unplaced effort here recently.