3:30am - NOVEMBER TOPAZ | 1900m | | i

Up over 1900m and most of these gallopers have questions over them. RED EXCITEMENT to lead from TESTASHADOW following him and they should go STEADY early before quickening up for a LONG SPRINT home, which suits the long-striding RED EXCITEMENT. Putting the old boy RED EXCITEMENT up 2kg after his last start win seems harsh on a 9YO, but that's the way the benchmark system works. He found the right race last start and while this race suits again, more weight makes it harder. TESTASHADOW has been so solid of late and rates and each-way play with 4kg less than the leader. The Waller chasers EXOTERIC (racing in career best form), ABDON (has upside, racing greenly of late) and NAVAL WARFARE will be there to pounce if the others fail. OUR CENTURY a very close watch in the yard in an open race. [updated 1:54pm after late scratchings]