But come this Monday’s Soldier’s Saddle Semi-Finals he’s finding it hard to put a circle around just a single runner.

Across two semi-finals runners will be gunning for a top four spot to book their place in the annual feature event.

As for who that will be? Lyne has his ideas but believes picking out a favourite is a tough task.

Calypso Blitz looks the one to watch in the opening semi-final having recorded the only sub-30 second time at Kennerson Park over the distance.

She has the start from box three.

“In the first semi-final, Detroit Cobba only ran fourth last week in a steady time but he got badly checked at the first corner. He kept on coming in that race and I think he’s going to be much improved and good value from the one box,” Lyne said.

“Calypso Blitz went 29.84 here a couple of weeks ago and if she can repeat that run then she’s going to take a hell of a lot to beat.

“Bogan Villa got dragged down in the first corner during her heat before she rallied and got up to beat Calypso Blitz.

“It’s a really open semi-final. Hotplate’s got the speed to burn but yet to win over the distance. There’s All Night Fever in the eight box as well, who ran 30.03 and stayed out of trouble.”

The second semi-final is another tough race to gauge.

There’s just five hundredths of a second between the five best times at the track in the semi-final.

“Vansittart lead to the shadow of the post last week and ran a 30.07 and came third. Motor City Gem won it in 30.05,” Lyne said.

“Little Trojan was wide early in the run. It’s in the four box but may improve.

“Rockstar Kyle and My Bro Connor are strong as Bulls so if they get any clear running down the back and get close enough then they could challenge.

“Live On Tour was impressive as well to win in 30.10 in his first look at the track so I honestly believe it’s anyone’s race.

“Usually in previous years we’ve had a couple of standouts but I think it’s going to be so hard to pick on Monday and there should be some good value.”

Sam Sultana has a strong trio of runners to look out for. Detroit Cobra (semi-final one), Motor City Gem and My Bro Connor (semi-final two) are all among the leading contenders for a finals position.

Matthew Murphy (Kipping Hogan and Rockstar Kyle) is the only other trainer with a chance to get more two or more runners into the upcoming final.

The meeting gets underway at Kennerson Park from 3.59pm with the first of the Soldier’s Saddle semi-finals starting at 5.24pm.