Did the Pryde’s EasiFeed Victoria Cup picture become clearer or even more hazy following this morning’s barrier draw?

New South Wales speedster Balraj snared the pole draw, one of five front-row positions secured by Craig Cross-trained runners for the Group 1, $300,000 Grand Circuit classic.

He also has reigning Victoria Cup champion Bling It On in three, Alta Orlando in five, Cash N Flow in six and Miracle Mile and Hunter Cup star King Of Swing rounding out the front row in barrier seven.

But while New South Wales dominates the front-line landscape, the two Victorians alongside them in Code Bailey (gate two) and Lochinvar Art (four) are far from bit players.  In fact, these are two of the big boys. Both still on the way up – and Lochinvar Art’s flawless 1:48.6 run to win the 4YO Bonanza remains unsurpassed.

Lochinvar Art looks certain to be looking to muscle his way to the top, but there is plenty of speed out wide as well as underneath should some, or all, have the afterburners on early.

Who’s to say Balraj will 100 per cent want cover? And if he does, behind whom?

Code Black is drawn inside the back row, one of four Emma Stewart-trained pacers in the final line-up (though one of that quartet is the emergency – Major Times). The other two Stewart runners are Tam Major in 10 and Hurricane Harley in 11.

Code Black’s form lines are, in my view, dangerous to the favourites. He draws to sit, and wait, and prod for a gap when the time is right before launching late as most others have run out of pepper. He's a huge show. 

If the speed really goes on up front, the swoopers like Code Black, giantkiller Rishi, whose TAB Smoken Up Sprint upset will be one for the annals, Cruz Bromac, whose class is utterly undeniable having won a New Zealand Cup just last year, Tam Major and Hurricane Harley all become threats.

In fact, there’s a feeling of Caribbean Blaster 2012 one may get about Cruz Bromac. Horrible draw, but if the lead time's rock solid (sub-42 from memory?) look out late.  

A cracking race awaits and with deeper form study to be done, who knows where I’ll land.

For now, check out Jason Bonnington's initial quickfire hot takes below, recorded straight off the back of this morning's barrier draw, and join the conversation on Twitter. We'd love to hear from you.