BEAR ON THE LOOSE (5) led and was in for the fight but couldn't hold off Sir Lucan in the Winter Cup over this distance at Rosehill last start. Like the engagement of Angela Jones who can nurse him in front and then kick away. Ready to win. Dour stayer DON DIEGO DE VEGA (10) has ground away to just miss the placings in his two runs this time in work, the latest in the 2400m Winter Cup. Should be near his peak now and looks a serious threat down in the weights. The lightly raced HALF YOURS (12) has been highly impressive all prep in Benchmark races in Sydney and Melbourne. Big test today but he should relish getting to this trip for the first time. Worth the gamble. HOPEFUL (7) showed a glimmer of form in the Winter Stakes last start. Three years without a win but looks like hitting some form again. NIKAU SPUR (2) is a chance if he replicates his third over this distance two back in the QE2 Cup at Eagle Farm.