Returning to the scene of his greatest triumph, Linebacker is poised for a strong performance at Rosehill, looking to avenge his first-up defeat.

Although beaten by Public Attention in his seasonal return, co-trainer John O’Shea is confident that Linebacker has a solid chance to turn the tables in the Hobartville Stakes.

The promising colt now meets Public Attention at level weights and should benefit from a significant fitness boost, given that his last race was only his third start in ten months.

Another positive factor is Linebacker’s past success over the same track and trip, having claimed the Group 3 Baillieu Handicap at Rosehill last autumn.

“He has never won over 1200 meters, so we knew it might be a tough ask first-up,” O’Shea said.

“His run wasn’t perfect, but we expect a sharper performance this time.

“He was carrying two-and-a-half kilos more and was only beaten by just over a length. Now, back at 1400 meters at Rosehill, he should be much more comfortable.”

Linebacker ended up leading in the Eskimo Prince Stakes (1200m), a position that wasn’t part of O’Shea’s original plan.

To help him settle better, the team has opted for a minor gear tweak this weekend.

“We’ll put a cross-over noseband on him to encourage him to drop in and relax a bit,” O’Shea noted.

The Hobartville Stakes has attracted a highly competitive field of 11, headlined by Cox Plate third-place finisher Broadsiding. He resumes his campaign under Zac Lloyd, as James McDonald is set to ride Romantic Warrior in the Saudi Cup (1800m).

Public Attention faces the challenge of jumping from the widest barrier, while Linebacker has drawn barrier seven, positioned just inside Broadsiding.