Alice Springs

TAIPAN TOMMY (5) battled away well enough when finishing fourth here last time out, and he will appreciate the step up to a mile this time. He can make full use of the pole position to settle handy and can bounce back into winning form here. MI MIJO (8) has a handy record over this trip and has already made a bright start to this prep. He followed up his second-up win with a brave run for third here last time out. Stick with him on an each-way basis. BETTER NOT FUSS (1) did not run on as expected last time out and is sliding down in grade here. He cops a tough gate but may not be the worst to bolster any combination bets. PRINCESS PANCAKES (4) is racing her way back into form and was runner-up here nearly 2 weeks ago over 1400m. The extra furlong won't be a problem, and she has first 4 claims again in an even lineup.