MAD MAX (1) was beaten just a long neck last start when fresh from a spell and landed his first top-three finish in the process at Te Aroha over 1150m. Was game in defeat fresh up. Well drawn. Great chance to break through. FIRST UP (9) raced once in the Maiden preparation when seventh at Ruakaka over 1100m back on June 29. Fitter for a subsequent trial win at Te Awamutu. Drawn to be a big chance. MY SHARONA (8) was thereabouts on debut. Improver. Wide draw. Chance still. POWER OF THREE (7) was not a bad fresh up for a new yard left-handed. Trial winner prior clockwise. Must include here. BUCCINO (5) showed good improvement at last start. Drawn out here. Bred to win more than once.