Best bet: Race 4 #2 Empress of Wonder

An intriguing race with a view to the future for the 2yo fillies. Empress of Wonder was superb on debut down the Flemington straight, charging home for second behind Charm Stone. She was well in the market for her race debut and has two impressive trials either side of that run. Chad Schofield was on board for the most recent trial at Canterbury, and she couldn’t have been more impressive. He has also ventured north to ride her in this event – and I’m hoping it proves a strong lead. Whilst I loathe to back horses unproven at the Eagle Farm track, this filly looks to have stacks of ability and should get the money.

Next best: Race 2 #2 Soothsayer

Soothsayer was heavily-backed last start in a 3yo race at the Sunshine Coast and didn’t let his backers down. He bolted in for a deserved victory after two solid runs behind Yellow Brick at Eagle Farm. That form-line is holding up as one of the strongest in the state and I’m tipping Soothsayer can only enhance it here. He’s drawn potentially awkward but he should have the pace to get across from the wide gate and be in the first couple of runners. I like that he’s three weeks between runs back to 1400m.

Best each-way: Race 8 #3 Arentee

A spot in the Stradbroke is up for grabs in The Gateway, and I’m confident Arentee can run a bold race at a decent price. He’s a proven Eagle Farm horse, never out of the placings from three attempts here last prep. One of those runs was over this 1400m journey where he was close-up behind Ranch Hand. He then ran well behind Athelric at listed level. Ryan Maloney is back on board after Melea Castle rode him to an authoritative victory last start at the Gold Coast. Maloney was on for the first-up assignment where he was a bit plain behind Petronius, but Chris Meagher has admitted it was trainer error on that occasion. He’s drawn perfectly here to get the gun run, with Maloney afforded options on how close to the speed he sits.