Donaldson has been unlucky when finishing second in each of his two starts after a spell.
He ran on strongly to finish a head from Ruby N Diamonds at Westport on Monday.
He was blocked for a run when runner-up to Baby Grand at Waimate.
Hokonui Ben, a bold-finishing second to Falcon Crown in the Westport Cup on Monday, looks the one to beat in the main race today.
Neesey Bromac, who will start in this race in preference to race 10, is a fresh runner at the meeting with a last-start second at Miss Elsie at Addington. He ran second at Westport in March.
Falcon Crown has been declared unruly for standing starts. He gave trouble at the start of the Westport Cup on Monday before beginning cleanly when sent to the outer.
He won the racing decisively.
Nancy Miles, who is engaged in race 10 today, has also been declared unruly at the request of her trainer, Greg Hope.
Bettor's Fire (race 10) is attempting his third win on end and his fourth in six starts.
