If there was an element of surprise in Toomuchtobear’s first-up win, jockey Reece Jones says expectations have to be higher that he can back it up at Kensington on Saturday.

The scratching of Godolphin filly Vianello has given a ringing endorsement to the hopes of Zapateo at Caulfield.

Trainer David Payne may have to reassess his plans for in-form galloper Dream Circle if he can complete a hat-trick at Randwick on Saturday.

The Marc Conners-trained Rebel Rama has booked her ticket to the Queensland Oaks after winning the De Bortoli Wines Handicap (benchmark 72, 2000m) at Rosehill on Saturday.

Trainer Greg Hickman has shown another string to his bow with evergreen eight-year-old Epic Dan.