Defending champion Mighty Ronaldo has secured a start in this Friday’s Retravision-Fremantle Cup (2936m), thanks to the scratching of WA Pacing Cup winner Diego.

Mighty Ronaldo was the unlucky runner left out of the field of 12, with Nullarbor third placegetter Swingband and Nullarbor Consolation winner Pinny Tiger being elevated ahead of him.

Valentines Brook held his position in front of Mighty Ronaldo, despite being unplaced in the consolation.

Hall Snr wasn't satisfied with Diego's work this morning and made the decision to withdraw him from the $300,000 event.

Mighty Ronaldo comes into barrier eight, which Diego drew this morning, while Valentines Brook is the only runner drawn to his outside.

Lavra Joe, who produced a stunning performance to run fourth in Friday's Nullarbor, was the big winner from the draw in barrier one.

Driver Gary Hall Jnr teams up with Lavra Joe for the first time on Friday.

Nullarbor champion Catch A Wave's hopes of adding a Fremantle Cup to his impressive list of feature wins took a blow when he drew barrier seven.

Nullarbor runner-up Minstrel enjoyed more luck at the draw, coming up with barrier 11 on the back of the Jason Grimson-trained Hot And Treacherous, who came up with barrier two.

Tenzing Bromac drew kindly in barrier 10, while the third of the Greg and Sky Bond-trained runners Ideal Agent drew barrier four.

Swingband (barrier three), Pinny Tiger (five), Jumpingjackmac (six) and Tricky Miki (12) round out the strong field.