Competitive start to the racemeeting and it could pay to play the Trifecta and Quartet bets. EASTERN HIGHLANDS turned in a decent effort in his first visit to the racetrack. He stayed on well over 1200m but should relish the step up to 1400m. The same can be said for stablemates FLAG CHAMP and DIRECTOR who are bred to much prefer the extra. The yard of trainer Gareth van Zyl has hit a purple patch of late. BLACKJACK RANDALL wasn't disgraced when running third after making the pace over 1600m last time. He has gate No 1 and should make them run.