Best bet | Race 3 #1 Plundering

Doing everything right in his first prep, notching two wins from as many runs to make an unbeaten start to his career. The query will be if he can handle another run in his first campaign, but he looks a horse with untapped ability and a brilliant stride which will help him stretch out to this 1400m range. Last start at the Gold Coast he was afforded the charmed run from barrier one, box-seating before putting his rivals away very quickly upon entering the straight. The setup here is a bit trickier after drawing the widest gate, but he appears a horse with great versatility and a strong motor. The other slight query is first time at Eagle Farm, but happy to back the Neasham stable judgment. I’m confident he can beat these and remain unbeaten. He has been backed in early markets but it does appear rock-bottom odds and expect him to drift back out closer to the $3 mark.

Next best | Race 8 #2 Bottega

Looks to have found the absolutely perfect race here coming off his strong win at this track last start. He’s had four runs this prep and they’ve all been very good, with two wins coming here at Eagle Farm. He overcame a sticky barrier in winning last start, but he’s drawn much more favourably here and should position up in a handier spot. James Orman takes the ride and it’s hard to see what beats him. The race favourite Mob Buster gets in lighter and is a nice enough prospect still improving, but he’s not a horse with the proven record of Bottega.

Best each way | Race 2 #6 Populist

Cooped an absolute slaughter last start when finishing fifth behind Gambu, but he was only beaten 2.8 length. It was an extremely game effort after being asked to work out wide in the early stages and sit outside the leader on a hot pace. The leaders capitulated but he stuck on well. Gambu has since raced well on Wednesday despite getting a strange ride. It’s no surprise there’s been a rider change here with capable 3kg claimed Wendy Peel taking over from Taylor Marshall. Wouldn’t be surprised if he started much shorter than the $26+ and gave this race a huge shake.