Matthew Tremble will send his talented gelding Shafeeq to the XXXX Gold Newmarket Open Handicap at Rockhampton later today.

The three-year-old is set to start the race as favourite, with the Refuse To Bend gelding having won his last three starts by a combined 10 lengths.

“We couldn’t be happier,” Tremble said of Shaffeq.

“He’s a nice young horse on the way up.”

While confident in his horse’s obvious ability, Tremble understand just how talented today’s field is going to be.

“Today’s a very tough field,” he said.

Tremble still believes Shafeeq will have the advantage after drawing barrier one.

“He’s got good gate speed but the one good thing about this little horse is that he actually comes off the bit and relaxes,” Tremble said.

“He gives me the indication that he relaxes really nicely.

“With no weight on his back he’ll have a chance to run it out.”

Tremble’s only concern is whether or not Shafeeq possesses the necessary experience needed to win against horses of this field’s calibre.

“The thing with him is whether he’s seasoned enough for this race,” he said.

“But he deserves a chance.”