Races BR Eagle Farm

Closed in on a better result at Doomben last start, leading in a Benchmark 85 before finishing fourth behind Blazing Harry, beaten a length and a half at generous odds. He had been held up on the home turn when eighth at this track first-up, so the latest run was a clear step forward. The wide draw is no help, but he has genuine place appeal.

Arrives in Queensland off a well-supported Randwick-Kensington win in a 3yo+ CG Benchmark 72, where he led and opened up to beat Siragusa by a length and a half. That followed a Canterbury second on soft ground after an awkward start. Barrier 12 makes the task harder, but he is capable of running into a cheque.

Went very close in a CG Benchmark 78 at Gold Coast, leading them up and looking the winner before Metaphorically grabbed him late, the margin only half a length. His previous seventh at this track in a 3-4yo Open was also better than it reads, beaten just under three lengths after being swamped late. In career-best touch and looks the one they have to beat.

Worked into a handy spot at Gold Coast last start but could not go on with it, finishing fourth behind Metaphorically in a CG Benchmark 78 and beaten three lengths. Two back he was eighth in a Benchmark 85 at Doomben, though he did pick up late after settling rearward. The class drop and first-time blinkers give him some appeal, but Moonan Quartz had his measure recently and the 1400m record is only fair. Not without a chance.

Had excuses first-up at Randwick in a 3yo+ Benchmark 78, being bumped at the start and held up from the 300m before finishing 11th, beaten five lengths at big odds. His Wyong run before the break was plain when wide throughout in Class 5 grade. Some upside second-up, though recent race form leaves him with work to do.

Comes back in grade after a fifth in an FM Benchmark 78 at Gold Coast, where she was beaten just under four lengths and never really became a factor. Her previous seventh at this venue in 1MW-LY grade was only even, but the set-up improves with weight relief, first-time blinkers and a return to a track where she has won three from five. Weight relief and blinkers help her rebound from two even runs.

Returns from a five-week freshening after finishing second last in a 3yo+ FM Benchmark 78 at Caulfield, beaten just over three lengths and hampered near the 150m. The run prior was a narrow Pakenham Synthetic win over Lake Forest in Benchmark 78 grade, so there is recent winning form to respect. Pakenham Synthetic win two back reads well, but wet-track form is the query.

Failed to come on when sixth in an Open at Gold Coast last start, beaten just over six lengths at big odds, and there was no clear excuse in the run. He had won a Benchmark 62 at Toowoomba by a nose the start prior, beating Knowitall Frank, and he is proven at 1400m. Others make stronger appeal.

Resumed with a second-last finish at Canterbury in a 5yo+ Benchmark 72, beaten just under three lengths after settling back and only battling from the turn. Her Doomben third before the break was much better, when held up passing the 300m and beaten just over a length in Class 3 company. Suited at 1400m and has place claims with improvement.

Kept building his campaign with a third at this track in a Benchmark 70, beaten a length and a half on soft ground after covering ground and working home evenly. Before that he beat Pass The Peak at Ipswich in a CG Class 1, travelling well and finishing the race off cleanly. Light weight and 1400m profile make him a strong hope.

Was unwanted in betting at Randwick-Kensington last start and finished second last in a 5yo+ Benchmark 72 over 1550m, beaten just under five lengths after an awkward beginning. Her Newcastle fifth prior was more competitive, beaten two and a half lengths in Benchmark 64 grade. She returns to a winning distance and has track-and-trip form, but the soft ground is a clear reservation. If she is to play a role it will be late under the light weight.

Had genuine excuses first-up at Dalby, beginning awkwardly and racing wide before fading to seventh in a Benchmark 62, beaten just under seven lengths. The weight relief and proven 1400m record give her some way back into contention, but she was also well held at this track over 1800m at the run prior. She must improve sharply.