Hooper heads this nine-runner Sedgefield contest on good ground over two miles with a clear edge in quality over his rivals, sitting eight pounds ahead of Socks Off and a dozen clear of Peace Motivator, and his form entitles him to plenty of respect at this level. Socks Off represents the most credible threat and will need to be watched, while Peace Motivator and Westerton both hold claims if Hooper underperforms, though neither looks equipped to bridge that gap on current evidence. The selection is Hooper.