OVERVIEW: Speed aplenty off the front row here and a host of winning chances, with QUEEN OF SEES (1) my fancy from the good draw. Was happily against her in the heat last week, but she led, handed up and then sprint-landed to a soft victory over Aldebaran Ada and Gladiatrix, who did a huge job to run third after breaking at the start. Does she have the toe to hold a prominent spot? I think so – particularly after watching the way she rocketed out of the gate during a Vicbred heat in 2025 – but the level of early burn will be telling. HALLEBESOFINE (3) won the quickest of the three heats by a big margin and looks awfully hard to beat if she leads, and while JILLIBY AURA (10) won the other qualifier, the back row gate makes it hard for her. As mentioned, Group 1 winner GLADIATRIX (13) bombed the start in the heat, tacked on and went to the chair before only being beaten 6m into third. If the speed is on, she can win. Fellow Group 1 winner ADELAIDE RED (4) has great gate speed and looks the other key hope if she can get across to the fence. BACK: QUEEN OF SEES (1) – 2 units (win)