STEEL PIER was a beaten short-priced favourite last time but did have legitimate excuses and a return to this shorter trip under a 1.5kg claiming apprentice could suit. BEACH WALKER, SEVENTH FLEET and CAMPO FORMIO have the form and experience to challenge the selection, though a bigger threat will likely come from well-bred newcomers SPECIAL ENVOY and HANDSOME BADGER. Riding arrangements suggest the latter is the pick of the De Kock first-timers. MIRUM is open any amount of improvement after a pleasing introduction so can get into the picture.