Premier jockey Luke Nolen has warned against pigeonholing exciting four-year-old Doubtful Jack as merely a mudlark after another emphatic victory at Flemington.

It was only a midweek city meeting at Hawkesbury but the lightly-raced Maluckyday has announced himself as a possible Cups prospect with an impressive first-up victory.

Metal Bender and Triple Honour, two horses central to trainer Chris Waller’s major spring plans, are ready to open their campaigns after competing in separate barrier trials.

Peter Moody will aim for a two-state double with three-year-old fillies Curtana and Miss Gai Flyer at Moonee Valley and Warwick Farm on Saturday.

Nash Rawiller will make a belated start to the defence of his Sydney jockeys’ title crown this week with a limited book of rides.

Todd Howlett is happy to take his time with Star Of Octagonal to ensure the gelding has the right foundations before he produces him to chase spring riches.

Jockey Danny Nikolic will appeal against a careless riding suspension at Caulfield.

Top Queensland jockey Stathi Katsidis will miss the ride on Decision Time at Warwick Farm next Saturday after being suspended for careless riding aboard star galloper Shoot Out in the Liston Stakes at Caulfield.

Gold Coast trainer John Wallace declared Shoot Out would win the Cox Plate, and added he wouldn’t run in the Melbourne Cup unless he thought he could win it too, following his victory in the JJ Liston Stakes at Caulfield.

Country mare With Ice has continued her rich vein of winter city form with her fourth victory from her past six starts in Sydney.