ASTUTE QUEEN (1) carved over from wide out and boxed on strongly to finish a long neck away in second (22.41) behind Hartland Prince at Ballarat. Makes plenty of appeal. PETITE BEAST (6) showed little early speed at her last couple, the latest finishing eighth (29.97) in a Grade 5 at Sale. Cannot be underestimated. ROMAN EMPIRE (2) drew a squeeze box and was game in defeat when a close second, a neck from the winner Jack's Elation (22.97) at this track. Ran one of the fastest times on the program last start despite finishing in the minors. Nicely placed to grab a well-deserved win. BEST DRESSED (7) must be included in calculations.