CQ Fasteners & Construction Supplies (Bm60)

With the rail out at +7m for the entire circuit, the track's circumference is reduced, and the home straight is effectively shorter. This generally favours on-pace runners who can kick clear at the top of the straight, as it gives backmarkers less time to make up ground. It places a premium on saving ground around the home turn, further advantaging horses drawn inside barriers like #2 Pretty Slick and #3 Rideau.

The Soft 6 rating will bring stamina into play, especially over this short but high-pressure distance. Horses that have a proven ability to handle rain-affected ground will be at a distinct advantage. The conditions may make the leaders vulnerable in the final 100m if they have over-exerted themselves early. #1 Devil Devil is a proven performer on wet tracks, with wins on both Soft 6 and Heavy 9 surfaces, making the conditions a major positive for it, provided the tactical disadvantages can be overcome.

The 1050m start at Rockhampton is notoriously tricky, with a short run into a sharp turn. This configuration provides a significant advantage to horses drawn in low barriers who can hold a position, as it allows them to save crucial ground. Conversely, horses drawn wide are at a major disadvantage, as they have very little time to cross the field before the turn and risk being posted wide for the entire race. The strong tempo predicted will make this even more pronounced.

As a BM60 Handicap, the field is evenly matched, but weight can be a deciding factor, especially on a soft track. The top weight, #1 Devil Devil (62.0kg), faces a significant task conceding weight to its rivals, particularly from a wide barrier. The lightly-weighted unknown, #9 Bull Dimple Rum (51.0kg), would be a major threat if it possesses any ability, as it gets a massive weight advantage over the field.