My Bro Fabio was very impressive winning at his first 600m attempt at The Meadows in a heat of the GOBIS series in the fastest time of the night (34.41), and trainer Brooke Ennis believes he can improve further in Saturday night's final (race six).
"I was really happy with his win last week at his first start over the 600m," Ennis said.
"He drew awkwardly (box six) as well so it was good to see him take the step up and win."
On Saturday night My Boy Fabio has drawn a lot better in box three and is the dog to beat again.
"He is a very strong dog but the first 600m is always the toughest and they usually improve in their subsequent starts," Ennis said.
"I'm hoping he can improve further anyway."
My Bro Fabio boasts an impressive record of seven wins from 13 starts but Ennis said he has been finding trouble over the sprint trips of late so she decided to step him up.
"He has no early pace and tends to find trouble in the 500m races and these heats came up at the right time so I thought it was time to step him up.
"His mother (Flamenco) was a stayer and (his sire) Turanza Bale was very strong so he may even turn into a handy stayer in time but he hasn't turned two yet so there is plenty of time.
"For the moment I'll stick with the middle distance races."
Ennis said My Bro Fabio prefers to be drawn close to the inside so is happy with the three box on Saturday night.
"Hopefully he can avoid trouble early and get a clear run," she said.
"He navigates around other dogs well which is an advantage."
The Jason Thompson-trained Classy Haze was also stepping up to the 600m for the first time and was impressive winning his heat in 34.51 from box eight, the same draw he has in the final.
Hailstorm Billy (box two) and Liara Allen (box seven) also have claims.
In race five Tic Tac Thomas will find this an easier assignment than his latest effort when he finished at the tail of the field in a heat of the Group 2 Cranbourne Cup, and he has to pace to take advantage of box one.
Tic Tac Thomas has won two of his three starts over this course and distance and does look the value runner.
Tam's Wish (box five) did not have a lot of luck when unplaced in the race won by Maximum Lil but led throughout to win at Sandown in a fast 29.49 at her previous start so is worth another chance.
Cosmic Wise (box four) has drawn awkwardly but has good early pace and warrants respect, along with Rock Domination (box two).
Marcus Joe was brilliant winning at Sandown back on December 19 in 29.24 and if he can show the same explosive speed in race eight he will be the one to beat.
At his only start since Marcus Joe missed the start from box one when unplaced behind Innocent Til at Sandown.
Noble Bale (box two) and Daintree Emperor (box three) loom as the hardest to beat.
Best Bet: My Bro Fabio (Race 6)
Best Value: Tic Tac Thomas (Race 5)
Quaddie:
Race 5 - 1, 5, 4, 2
Race 6 - 3, 8
Race 7 - 5, 2, 1
Race 8 - 6, 2, 3
$20 for 27.77%
