Returns from a lengthy spell after just one debut run, when fifth in a 2yo Maiden over 1050m at Gold Coast Poly, beaten four and a half lengths at big odds. He tracked the speed and was tightened late, so there was some excuse, and a recent Beaudesert trial third suggests he has had a grounding. Debut had late interference, but 1400m is new and he carries the top weight.

Returns from a four-month break after closing last campaign with fourth in a 3yo Maiden over 1800m at this track, beaten five and a half lengths after working home evenly. His previous third at this venue had more merit given he raced wide throughout at long odds. Fresh 1400m record is the query, but minor claims are sound.

Held his ground when fourth first-up in a 3yo+ Maiden over 1100m at Warwick, beaten three and a half lengths after beginning awkwardly. That country run was fair rather than decisive, and he now faces harder company. He was also safely held as favourite at Kilcoy two back after racing wide, while his two tries around 1400m have not produced a placing. Must improve.

Improved third-up when fourth at Doomben, beaten three and a half lengths after beginning slowly and working home fairly from the second half of the field. He now comes back from mid-week company, which is a positive class angle, and the run prior at Eagle Farm was better than eighth reads after being held up on the home turn. Quick back-up is the query, but third-up fitness gives him a strong winning case.

Had little go right in terms of impact on debut at Lismore, finishing second last on soft ground and beaten six and a half lengths after sitting handy before fading from the turn.

Made some late ground when eighth first-up at Sunshine Coast, beaten eight and a half lengths after settling well back and being held up approaching the 100m. That gives him a small excuse, but he was 151.0 and the margin was still sizeable. His previous run was a distant last at Doomben, beaten over 19 lengths, and one unplaced 1400m attempt adds another hurdle. Prior Doomben run was poor, so he has plenty to turn around.

Worked on without threatening when sixth first-up at Taree, beaten just under seven lengths after settling back and being bumped near the 200m. This is harder than that country assignment, but she has two placings from four starts around 1400m and has generally been more competitive than the latest margin suggests. More a place hope than a winning anchor.

Picked up late when sixth at Sunshine Coast, beaten five and a half lengths after having difficulty getting clear approaching the 300m, so the run had some merit. The concern is that she was unwanted in the market and remains unplaced from three starts overall. She will have to lift to threaten the main chances. Happy to avoid.

Comes off the best recent form in the field after finishing third in a 3yo+ Maiden at Warwick, beaten just under three lengths despite racing keenly and being forced wide late. He meets stronger company than that country line, but carries less weight, gets a positive gear change and has already placed at both this distance and this venue. Strong current form makes him the one to beat.