Linebacker will begin his spring preparation from an awkward wide draw in the Group 2 Tramway Stakes at Randwick, but co-trainer Tom Charlton is staying philosophical about the early hurdle.

“One way of looking at it is we’d rather get it out of the way early,” Charlton said. “It’s his first-up run and it’s a run that is going to get him to his next couple of runs so it’s not the end of the world. He’s got good improvement from Saturday.”

The Randwick Guineas winner is targeting the Group 1 Epsom Handicap (1600m) in October, after which connections will decide between the Golden Eagle (1500m) or stretching him towards the Cox Plate (2040m). “It’s an option. He’s shaping that way,” Charlton said. “All roads lead to the Epsom, but we’ll see what suits him best.”

Meanwhile, Brad Widdup’s gelding Jedibeel will line up in the Group 3 Concorde Stakes (1000m) after bypassing the Moir Stakes. The Challenge Stakes winner faces off against Group 1 stars Jimmysstar, Mornington Glory and Lady Shenandoah.

“He’s at the pointy end now,” Widdup said. “There’s no hiding with him, but if he gets the right run, he can be very dynamic. He’s in good order.”

Mulberry Racing, which owns Jedibeel, has secured an Everest slot, raising the stakes for his spring campaign.

Markets for both the Tramway Stakes and Concorde Stakes can be found via Australia’s leading betting sites.