COUPLES RETREAT (9) started favourite and battled on okay but was no match for the winner first-up over 1100m at Hawkesbury last start. Cruised to victory second-up last prep off a comparable first-up rating. Nicely placed to take this out. APACHE BREEZE (1) appreciated a drop in grade and returned to form last time out, beaten under two lengths into third over today's trip at Newcastle. Drops a little in grade and is nicely treated after the claim. Major player. ENSIGN PARKER (12) led but was gone on straightening over 1450m at Muswellbrook recently. Better placed back to six furlongs so expect a big improvement. WEALTHY INVESTOR (13) won a similar race at Wyong two back then raced wide and should be forgiven a last start sixth over this distance. Worth following up. TRUE AMOR (10) resumes. Opened last prep with a comfortable victory over today's journey at Kembla. Deserves plenty of thought.