Grandslam (outside) working alongside Tanker at The Valley on Tuesday morning (Image: Racing Photos)
David Eustace says controversial Cox Plate selection Grandslam can prove his doubters wrong in Saturday's Group 1 race.
The talented three-year-old has the least credentials of any in the field, with his addition to the Cox Plate leaving the Lloyd Williams-owned import Buckhurst as an emergency.
While Grandslam finished third last start in the G1 Caulfield Guineas, his last win was at 2YO Benchmark 66 level in South Australia.
The decision to include Grandslam in the field has proven controversial on social media, with some pundits questioning his position in the field.
Despite that Eustace, who trains in partnership with Ciaron Maher, said Grandslam would silence his critics on Saturday with 49.5kg on his back.
"I think he will run a big race. He will absolutely show he should be there," Eustace said.
"He ran well above his odds in the Guineas, which wasn't a surprise to us. And I think he will do it again.
"He is a horse that's the rapid improver in the race whereas a lot of horses there have found their mark, albeit a good one.
"He's the one that could take that big leap forward again."
WATCH: Grand Slam's gallop
Grandslam is a $23 chance with Sportsbet after drawing barrier five for Jye McNeil, while stablemate and import Sir Dragonet ($11) is the more favoured of the pair with bookies and jumps from barrier seven with Glen Boss on board.
"Inside five for Grandslam, if he is going to roll forward, is probably perfect," Eustace said.
"If we drew three then we'd be really, really happy but five is fine.
"And I think seven is perfect for Sir Dragonet. He seems to be midfield and hitting the line suits him. I hope they go a good, solid tempo, that is really going to suit."
Eustace said the 49.5kg Grandslam has to carry would be 'massively in our favour'.
"That's what adds a bit of intrigue to the race," Eustace said of the weight.
"He's a big, strong colt. He is quite a mature horse, but he's getting weight off everything else.
"That's going to be massively in our favour."