Kris Lees sends Oriental Lady north to Doomben on Saturday and she looks well placed to claim a much deserved win.

The five-year-old mre has been running well in Group and listed company this time in and hit the line strongly behind Scratchy Bottom in the Epona Stakes, only beaten 1.9L.

That form reads well for a race like this and hitting the line strongly on that occasion would expect the 2200m to suit, having won over the trip previously.

Oriental Lady has placed in two listed outings this campaign and from the inside draw would expect her to settle a bit closer today.

The daughter of Doyen (IRE) rates well clear of her rivals on recent form and with only 55kg to carry would expect her to be too strong for these.

Looks to be a few chances behind her despite a small field lining up but if she reproduces her last start effort she will be hard to hold out against these.

Later in the day Hopfgarten (Race 6 #1) will look to build on an impressive first up run, sprinting well clear of the field to win by 2.3L at Doomben over 1350m.

The Robert Heathcote-trained runner will appreciate the step up in trip and was proven in Listed company last campaign.

Leading local jockey Damian Browne goes back on board and the four-year-old is open to further improvement here second up.

From barrier 8, Hopfgarten should get a handy run off the pace and looks right up to winning a race like this.

Sir Moments will also appreciate the step up to the 1630m but has a bit of improvement to make on recent form and expecting Hopfgarten to really come on this preparation.

Last week saw our bet of the day Architect run a close second whilst the each way play Bodega Negra was too strong in the last of the day, bring up the second each way play win in as many weeks.

Good Luck!

BRISBANE BEST

Bet of the day: Race 3#2 Oriental Lady @ $2.80