Eagle Farm has its day in the spotlight on Saturday, with two Group One events giving punters plenty to sink their teeth into.
Queensland's flagship two-year-old race, the JJ Atkins, will showcase some of the country's best young talent, before a $1.5 million purse goes up for grabs in the feature Stradbroke Handicap.
The track is currently a Good 4 rating and fine weather is predicted for Brisbane.
The rail will be out 3m for the entire circuit and all runners will get their chance around this spacious circuit.
Rick Morris' tips have delivered punters 11% Profit on Turnover over the past 365 days.
Below are Rick's best bets for Doomben meeting, however you can purchase his full selections for Saturday's racing here.
This Edmonds trained galloper has only missed a place once in 13 career starts, with three-wins at this distance.
His last start was a complete forgive run. He was caught up in a battle for the lead in that hit-out, and they ran a very fast first 600m. It was therefore no surprise to see him knock up late.
Even though the race wasn't run to suit, he managed to stick to his guns and battle on to finish a strong third behind two smart types.
Senior jockey Robbie Fradd is booked to ride and he just needs to find cover from the wide gate to be fighting out the finish.
This filly tasted her first defeat behind Rothfire over 1200m last start, however she kept chasing hard towards the line.
There were big wraps on her prior to that run and she looks ready to peak here for grand final day.
There is a slight query over Rothfire's ability to run out the 1400m, so I think this talented youngster can turn the tables with the extra distance.
A crack field has been assembled for this year's Stradbroke Handicap.
In recent years, The Kingsford Smith has proved to be a key lead-up race to the Straddie. However, this year the main form-line is the Group 2 Victory Stakes which was won by Victorem.
Jumping from the 1400m start at Eagle Farm, there is a 400m run to the first turn and I'm expecting Deep Field and Dawn Passage to push forward early.
Jockeys from wide gates may decide to drop their mounts out rearward, with the long home straight to provide assistance.
There isn’t a genuine speedster in the race, so don't be surprised to see some horses change tactics and show some early initiative by pushing forward while the others find their feet.
Top Selections
1. #6 TYZONE
In the Victory Stakes a fortnight ago, it was hard to miss the orange colours of Tyzone getting home hard down the outside into fifth spot only 2.2 lengths from the winner.
The Edmonds trained gelding who finished runner-up behind Trekking in last year's Stradbroke, now meets that horse 4.5kgs better at the weights.
The manner in which he finished off last start indicates that the time is right for this experienced campaigner to etch his name into Stradbroke folklore.
2. #8 VEGA ONE
He was an $8 favourite for this race, before a couple of indifferent runs created uncertainty.
However, this Gollan trained galloper is much better suited to the 1400m trip having won 4 of his 8 starts at this distance.
This has been his main target and punters have been piling into him in early markets, which I expect to continue up to the jump.
Looks a great each-way play at the $13 quote.
3. #18 EXHILARATES
Ran a great race in the Fred Best and was doing her best work late, behind race favourite Dawn Passage.
The Godolphin filly ran a strong third over this distance in the Magic Millions three-year-old event behind Alligator Blood, which is always a strong form-line.
She draws to get a gun run in transit and with the light weight, she will be there fighting out the finish.