(Andrew Bensley is Sky Racing's premier commentator. His column will appear weekly on Back Page Lead.)

It may be opportune now to look at some of the rising three-year-olds that are back in work preparing for the spring carnivals. Many racing fans are keen to follow the John Singleton-owned More Strawberries. The filly showed considerably quality during her first preparation and now is being set for the Golden Rose at Rosehill. Trainer Gai Waterhouse says More Strawberries did well during her five week spell and will be brought along slowly. It's expected More Strawberries will race only in Sydney this spring to concentrate on the Golden Rose and Flight Stakes.

Another rising three-year-old with plenty of potential is Hinchinbrook for trainer Gerald Ryan. Back in pre-training after a seven week spell, Hinchinbrook isn't being aimed at the Golden Rose. In fact, Ryan is contemplating the possibility of running Hinchinbrook exclusively in Melbourne. At this stage, Hinchinbrook may return in a 1200 metre feature race at Flemington on September 11. Ryan is hoping Hinchinbrook is capable of running 1600 metres and then the Caulfield Guineas would be a target.

The final horse to update this week is AJC Sires Produce winner, Yosei. Trainer Stuart Webb reports Yosei stacked on 35 kg in five weeks and obviously has strengthened up considerably. Webb was elated with the condition of Yosei when she went out for a spell after the Champagne Stakes. He is planning to give Yosei three runs before tackling the Thousand Guineas and, hopefully, extending her range to include the Crown Oaks.

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NOW to Saturday's Eagle Farm meeting. Jockey Craig Williams (pictured, above) arrived back from Japan on Wednesday to ride Ortensia and despite punters being a bit wary of the wide barrier (she's $11 with TAB Fixed Odds), the three-time Scobie Breasley Medal winner isn't concerned. Typical of his professional manner, Williams watched Ortensia's past two runs via television in Japan and strongly believes she will be better suited by Eagle Farm and the firm track. Williams has ridden nine winners in the past month in Japan including the Group 1 Tenno Sho and plans to return there after the weekend.

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MELBOURNE trainer Tony Vasil is hoping for a change of fortune in Brisbane when Carrara lines up in the Queensland Guineas. Vasil has the old team back with Nash Rawiller riding Carrara. The horse worked well at Eagle Farm's Breakfast with the Stars and will appreciate 1600 metres. Vasil's main concern is the form of Rothsay in Brisbane. The horse scored a brilliant win a fortnight ago and trainer Gerald Ryan reports Rothsay has improved further.

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THERE'S no better Group 1 rider than Glen Boss and he'll be chasing another big time win at Eagle Farm on Saturday. Boss had many offers on the table in the Stradbroke Handicap but he chose $12 TAB Fixed Odds chance Graceful Anna after talking with Larry Cassidy, who rode the filly last weekend. Boss is one of a handful of jockeys who can waste to 49.5 kg but still maintain his strength. Graceful Anna's trainer, David Pfieffer, was thrilled with the horse's run last weekend particularly the final 100 metres. Graceful Anna has spent the week at the beach and the petite filly hasn't been flattened by her run in the QTC Cup.

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FINALLY, I received some e-mails during the week asking about the possible merger of the AJC and STC in Sydney. The rumour mill suggests it'll be announced within the month but the personnel of the powerful club still are being decided.