After two second-place finishes, Luke Price is confident Saturday will be the day Verbek breaks through.
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The talented two-year-old has impressed in four starts, denied a maiden-victory last month by a protest.
That didn't deter Price from sending Verbek to Queensland, the gelding running second behind Volcanic Rock in the Listed Phoenix at Eagle Farm.
The result left the punters impressed, with Verbek currently the $4 TAB favourite for Saturday's 1500 metres handicap at Rosehill.
"He showed he's up to that grade," Price said. "He travelled into it like he was going win before Gai's horse found plenty under pressure.
"We've done everything possible to have the horse prepared as best we can, it would be good to go out a winner to end the prep."
Fellow Price stable star Count De Rupee will contest a 1300m BenchMark 78 at Rosehill.
The gelding is looking to maintain his unbeaten run at the track after a tough outing in the Group 3 Fred Best at Eagle Farm last month.
Brock Ryan has been handed the ride, the apprentice in the early stages of a return from a broken leg.
"He just wants to get back into it and ride, ride, ride," Price said. "He nearly went to Kembla but we've got him in town where he belongs."