Saturday’s nine-race program comes after a week with a few sprinkles of rain around Brisbane – and some more predicted raceday. However, a few drops of rain will likely matter little on an Eagle Farm surface where we know to expect a Good track unless it pours down. The rail is +5.5m the entire circuit, and as usual, we’re looking for horses proven to handle the circuit.

BEST BET – R9 #1 KYLEASE

Back on firmer footing is the key here for Kylease. Since transferring to Queensland, this former NSW mare has notched two wins from five starts, with her only time out of the placings being last start when on a heavy track at the Gold Coast. She’s got plenty of speed and Steph Thornton will have options from gate two. She can land right in behind the speed (likely set by Le Palmier and Iconic Star coming across from out wide) or take up the running herself. If she can’t get the lead on her own, I’d prefer her ridden with a sit because there does look to be some speed in this race. Two starts ago at this track she looked the winner but was found wanting the final 25m after getting a little fired with fellow front runner I’ve Gotta Nel who set it up for something from the back. The 1000m distance is her pet trip these days and she will no doubt look the winner at some stage.

NEXT BEST – R5 #5 TYCOON EVIE

Very even and quality race, but think Tycoon Evie has a class edge in this small field. I like that she’s proven at this track with two wins and a third from three starts. Importantly, the pair of Eagle Farm wins came at her two most recent starts. Concede she does face her toughest test here, with a classy field which includes Kisukano, Gotta Kiss and Apache Chase. At Tycoon Evie’s second career start she was thrashed here by Kisukano, but she’s gone on with it and progressed while the other filly is struggling to find her best. She now has the runs on the board and is a filly with stakes-level ability, which will be put to the test as she aims at an Oaks later this prep. She’s been given a quick freshen up with that grand final in mind, and even though she’s been prepared for the staying trip, she should have plenty of residual fitness and be ultra-competitive in a race like this. The other plus here is where she gets to from the wide gate in a small field. She’ll have time to cruise across and sit outside Apache Chase. Hard to beat.

BEST EACH WAY – R4 #12 PATTY’S FORTUNE

Patty’s Fortune is the forgotten horse in a race with three spruik horses heading the market. Gate 12 makes for a tough assignment, but fingers crossed he has enough speed to land midfield with cover. We black-booked Patty’s Fortune from his run on February 27 at the Sunshine Coast. On that occasion, he should’ve finished a lot closer than the well-beaten fifth after finding a tricky position before the turn and being forced wide leaving the 800m. He had further trouble in the straight and there was late money around suggesting the stable has got him in good shape. The winner Toorooloo has gone on to win again. He’s got form around the likes of Tycoon Evie and Gold Coast Jewel winner Simply Fly, and drops back from tougher races in open 3yo grade to a BM 72 for fillies and mares. Great each-way play.