Clear top dog on the ratings with a 78 performance average, 71 composite and a field speed of 81 that dwarfs the opposition. Has been campaigning in A1 — the elite grade — posting a 73 when third last time and a remarkable pair of 92s in his recent history. The drop to handicap level represents a significant class relief and his distance suitability of 63 is far and away the best in the field, confirming that 480m is very much his trip. The wide draw is offset by the handicapper, and his closing speed on Newcastle's home straight makes him the type to pick them off late regardless. The 20% trainer strike rate adds another positive, and unless the handicap marks are too harsh, he should have too many guns for these rivals.