AU - Flemington - Race 5

Open race but the weight drop for ATHANATOS (10) has us leaning his way. He hit the line strongly under 134lbs first up in benchmark grade and should strip much fitter for it, now dropping 15lbs down to 119lbs. His three-year-old form last time in continued to improve and getting to Flemington will suit much better as well. RISE AT DAWN (1) has to concede these all weight first-up but his form is hard to ignore. He was first up when winning the Listed Elms Handicap easily over this route before going under by just half a length in a G1 Doncaster Mile. Double figures in early betting seems more than fair. CAFE MILLENIUM (4) ripped home to take the Listed Macdonald Stakes at Morphettville Parks last time out. He'll be back in the field but winding up strongly late. POP AWARD (6) and GERRINGONG (8) both come through the Cockram Stakes won by Magic Time and are firmly in the mix.