BEST BET – R2 #9 SUPERIUM

Keen to get the cash early in the program with Superium. We black booked this Hawkes-trained 4yo from his run two weeks ago at Doomben and I’m confident he will be right in the finish here. Last time out he produced one of the runs of the day to screech home for third in a race dominated by leaders, with the race won by Axe who subsequently backed up last weekend to run well in the BRC Sprint. Superium was clearly the best of the rest in that race despite being beaten 4.5 lengths. He draws gate one – which isn’t always a plus for a horse like him devoid of gate speed – but this time he’ll at least get an economical run. While the inside draw is a slight concern, there’s not much speed except of a couple of runners, so there’s a chance he could be midfield instead of back near the rear. The other slight query is whether he can handle the Eagle Farm surface as it is a ‘horses for courses’ track with its firmness. The positive in that regard is all three of Superium’s wins have come on good ground. I know there’s a few slight queries for a horse starting favourite, but he is simply better than his rivals here.

NEXT BEST – R4 #6 VANNA GIRL

We talked earlier about needing to find Eagle Farm horses and Vanna Girl fits that profile. She’s unbeaten at this track and I like that they’ve taken the blinkers off for this assignment. Her three runs this time in have been full of merit, winning first-up before running well at G1 level second-up. She then ran into the airborne Zaaki third-up and had excuses herself when back and wide for the majority of the race. Barrier seven looks ideal for this girl and the switch back to Brad Stewart is a plus as he gets on with her well. She can sit midfield with cover off what looks a strong tempo up front set by Homesman, Quick Thinker and even Tiptronic. Great each-way hope.

BEST EACH WAY – R6 #2 Converge

Forgotten horse in the Sires and goes around at a big price. This 2yo son of Frankel should relish the 1400m trip and there’s been a few good judges singing his praises at trackwork since arriving from Sydney. The wide gate is a concern and there is plenty of speed underneath, so jockey Tim Clark will need to make a good decision early here. He brings good Sydney form including a third placing in the G1 Champagne behind Captivant and Hilal. He might be more screwed down for this than some of his rivals who might have one eye on a fortnight in the JJ Atkins.