DoombenSat, December 30, 2023

Group 3 placegetter EMPEROR (9) kicked off this campaign with a win two runs ago. Couldn't follow that up last time out when sixth over 5f at Randwick, beaten 3 lengths. Is unbeaten in two starts here. Finds a more suitable contest and can get the job done. MR GALAZI (10) ran below expectations last time after being in contention on the turn at Sunshine Coast, finishing eighth and beaten 4 lengths starting at 13/2. Must raise the bar but a win is not out of the question. HARDWARE LANE (6) was a winner over 5½f at Ipswich last time out, dropping out early before coming home with a powerful run to score by half a length. Goes well at this journey with six wins and four placings from 13 starts and shapes as a key runner. SMART IMAGE (3) used the rails draw to good effect last start, bouncing straight to the lead and scoring an all-the-way win over 6f at Eagle Farm. Expected to feature.