Deploy was clearly out of his depth in the Stradbroke Handicap last time out, but this is a massive drop in class, and he’ll take improvement into what is his third campaign start. The veteran sprinter isn’t what he was when he broke track records here and was an entrant in the inaugural The Everest, but he was tough to the line to finish third in the Listed Luskin Star Stakes first-up and a race of this quality looks well and truly within his abilities. The $8.50 available at publish looks overs.
Nicochet has returned two very pleasing efforts this time and is ready to win third-up in the last at Rosehill today. The Nicconi gelding is right at home on a rain-affected track and has hit the line well to finish second behind the talented Kapajack at both of his competitive starts this preparation. He’ll take further benefit into this and is drawn a peach.
Big Duke is the class galloper in this year’s Caloundra Cup and simply won’t be offered a better opportunity to return to winning form in black type company. Once a fourth placegetter in the Melbourne Cup, Big Duke has returned several pleasing efforts in 2019 including second behind Avilius in the Group 1 Tancred Stakes and a close-up second in the Group 3 Tatt’s Cup last week. He’s rock-hard fit and will take a power of beating.
Jamaican Rain has returned to the races in typically strong form this time and she can defend her crown in this afternoon’s Glasshouse Handicap on the Sunshine Coast. The Manhattan Rain mare won the Group 3 Mannerism fresh in autumn, and there was a lot to like about the way she hit the line when seventh in The Goodwood and fifth in the Tatt’s Tiara last week. She’s rock-hard fit and looks the one to beat.