AU - Beaumont (Newcastle) - Race 3

Very few hopes after the scratchings. STEEL KNIGHT (1) is clearly the one to beat after finding only Brutal Belle better in a BM65 at Canberra, beaten just under a length as favourite after travelling well behind the leaders. The rise to 5 ¾f is the one reservation given his record around this distance, but he is third-up, handles soft ground and now comes back from BM65 company into Class 1 grade. SEDUCTRA (3) was only beaten just over a length first-up at Kembla Grange. Good form around Why So Hard at Randwick at the end of last prep is an eye-opener, with that form franked at stakes level on Saturday. Strips fitter and is the obvious danger despite carrying 60kgs. KERMITISAPET (8) has been safely held in two runs this prep, both over 5f. On a seven-day back-up and will appreciate getting over a bit more ground at this stage of the campaign. BLUE SUEDE HOOVES (6) has disappointed in three runs this prep. Top four contender in a thin race. Hard to make a case for the rest.