Rebel Dane will step out for what could be a career defining run in the Bobbie Lewis Quality at Flemington on Saturday as he looks towards Group 1 glory later this spring.
The current $2.60 favourite will head down the famous 'straight six' for the first time and based on Timeform ratings looks well placed to continue on his winning way.
Resuming with a win in the Group 3 Show County last start, Rebel Dane returned a Timeform figure of 115p, the second highest of his career, which in years gone by has been good enough to win this race.
The big push for Rebel Dane however, comes from his second up effort last preparation when narrowly beaten by Pierro in the Group 2 Hobartville Stakes where he returned a figure of 120.
On that occasion the Gary Portelli-trained runner beat home the likes of Proisir and It's A Dundeel and if he brings anything near that form, he will be too good for the field he takes on this weekend.
Adamantium's good Flemington form over the summer rates on par with Rebel Dane in Receipt of the 2.5kgs but the latter is open to big improvement and can stamp himself as a genuine Group 1 sprinter.
Only having had the eight starts to date, the four-year-old son of California Dane has plenty of scope to improve and looks on target to mix it with the top sprinters this spring.
Jockey Glen Boss has indicated Rebel Dane will be well suited down the straight, generally taking a bit of time to gather himself before unleashing over the concluding stages.
Trainer Gary Portelli said this race will give him a real guide to where he will head towards the spring and that whatever wins on Saturday will be the 'real deal'.
The Mark Kavanagh-trained We're Gonne Rock narrowly beat Spirit Of Boom in last years renewal, running a Timeform figure of 119 after also running 120 in the preparation prior.
Below are the Top Five Weight Adjusted Timeform Ratings for the Bobbie Lewis Quality
1. Rebel Dane - 123+
2. Adamantium - 1233. Albrecht - 119
4. Adebisi - 1195. Fontelina - 118