Races OR Gold Coast

Won first-up at Gold Coast in a Benchmark 70 over 1200m, settling back before finishing hard to beat Moscow Circus by just over half a length at $9. His previous fourth in a Class 6 at Eagle Farm on soft ground was also sound, beaten just over a length by Jenni Moreese. Needs another step.

Drops back from Saturday Open grade after finishing last at Doomben over 1600m, beaten just over seven lengths after jumping awkwardly and proving difficult to settle. No appeal.

Eased from Saturday 1MW-LY company after finishing eighth at Eagle Farm over 1200m, beaten four and a half lengths after beginning awkwardly and striking heels in the straight. He had earlier placed in a 3yo+ Quality at Gold Coast on soft ground behind John Rambo. Needs to sharpen up.

Produced a clear form turnaround at Ipswich, winning a CG Class 2 on soft ground by three and a half lengths from Global Eclipse after travelling just off the lead. That was a major lift on his Eagle Farm Benchmark 70 failure, where he weakened badly over 1200m. More a place profile than a clear top pick.

Resumed in Saturday company at Eagle Farm and finished second last behind Larrikin Rogue, beaten six and a half lengths with no late impression. His prior fourth behind Jenni Moreese had more merit, beaten two and a half lengths after being hampered around the home turn. Needs to find his autumn form quickly.

Went close in a Benchmark 70 at Eagle Farm last start, leading and only being pipped by Precise Star on soft ground after starting among the outsiders. That followed a strong Class 3 win at Beaudesert, where he beat Divil A Bit by just under three lengths as a short odds-on favourite. Race fit and in form, with the 1400m query the only real reservation.

Backs up from a Doomben Benchmark 85 where he was eighth, beaten two and a half lengths behind Blazing Harry after having work to do from the rear. The run prior at Eagle Farm was similar, making ground from well back for fourth behind Surprise Honey. Class relief helps, though he still needs a stronger last 200m.

Returns from a two-month freshening after being beaten just under three lengths in a 3-4yo Open at Eagle Farm, where he led and was swamped after being near the top of betting. He had won a Benchmark 70 at Doomben a week earlier, beating Puff 'N' Harry by a long neck, and that form includes a recent edge over Detrimental. Last run was below market expectation, but the profile still appeals.

Resumed with a sound third in a Class 5 at Ipswich over 1200m on soft ground, beaten just under a length by Gospel Girl after settling back and closing late. That was a much better effort than his Eagle Farm run before the break, when beaten over 16 lengths at 1600m. Needs to build on that to turn place claims into a winning threat.

Missed narrowly as favourite at the Sunshine Coast last start, finishing fourth but beaten only a neck after being slow to begin. Two back he was third in a 3yo+ CG Class 3 at Doomben, beaten just over three lengths after interference near the home turn. Consistent enough for exotics, with the trip still the query.

Returns from a lengthy five-month spell after finishing last in the G2 Queensland Guineas at Eagle Farm over 1600m on heavy ground, beaten a long way behind Brave Monarch. He had also been well beaten by 25 lengths in the G1 ATC Australian Derby at Randwick, so the raw form is poor, but this is a sizeable class drop and he has won a trial at Grafton. Trial win helps readiness; 1400m is the main question.

Steps up from country Benchmark 66 company after finishing seventh at Grafton, beaten three lengths behind Satin And Cash after beginning slowly and making some late ground. His previous second in a Benchmark 50 at Grafton was more encouraging, beaten just over half a length after travelling well on soft ground. Place claims only if he brings his best Grafton form.

Placed in a Benchmark 60 at Gold Coast last start, finishing third behind Yes Donald Yes after being hampered early and charging home from well back.