Only Feathers should take some beating in the feature race, the $15,000 Carlton Mid Katherine Cup, at Jim Jackson Racecourse today.
Representing the Stephen Brown stable, the gelding has a good record at the Cup distance of 1600m - three wins and two seconds from eight attempts - and is in excellent form. His last-start second to Rogue Warrior over 1300m at Fannie Bay, after being trapped wide throughout, was an eye-catching effort and with just 55.5kg to carry and only four rivals, he should be at the forefront of calculations.
Hardest to beat should be last year's winner, Carneggan Jester, who comes into this off the back of a strong win in better company on Alice Springs Cup Day. Barry Huppatz takes the mount for Jason Manning, and this combination, although lumbered with topweight of 58kg, will make their presence felt.
Besofabuleux, who has won his last two starts in Darwin impressively, and Tequila Midnight, another with excellent recent form, should also be right in the mix, while Noble Connection makes up the field and is capable on his day.
There are no fewer than five runners at the meeting who have raced in Katherine previously, and four of them are winners.
Apart from Carneggan Jester, Royal Steal (race five), Erembourg and Equitable (race three) and Flopitidop (race one) are previous visitors to the course, and all but the last named have greeted the judge there.