Tight race. CHAMPAGNE EFFORT (5) doesn't win out of turn but rarely turns in a poor run. She again chased gamely into the placings here last start and doesn't have to improve much to shed the bridesmaid tag here. LAKE AGAWAM (2) is also rarely far away from the action and was again doing his best work late last time when fourth in a similar contest. With even luck in running he looms as a major player again. UTAH JOE (8) carries a similar profile and went close here last start when charging late to finish second, beating the top two home, albeit by a narrow margin. Rises slightly in the weights but a repeat effort sees him right in the mix again. LORD MORTON (1) comes through the same race, sticking on gamely fifth when resuming here last start. Has to be taken seriously with natural improvement anticipated second-up.