Trainer Tony Gollan expects debutant Just Orm to run well at Doomben but admits he is bemused by a concerted betting move for the gelding.
Just Orm opened at $8 with most corporate bookmakers and by Friday morning was generally into $2.20 to win Saturday's Hamilton Hotel Two-Year-Old (1110m).
Gollan said Just Orm had shown ability in a jump-out, running handy time.
"I think it might be a case of a big group of owners getting a bit excited. I expect him to race well but he does have a tricky barrier and he is having his first start," Gollan said.
The gelding is eligible for the Magic Millions 2YO Classic (1200m) on January 9.
"Just Orm is a nice horse but whether he is up to the Magic Millions we will see on Saturday," Gollan said.
"I suppose one advantage is that there are two pace horses drawn outside him in Greyt Start and Rothabye."
"They will have to cross him."
A $45,000 yearling, Just Orm is by Doomben 10,000 winner Falvelon out of Honours List mare, Stay in Honour.
There are a couple of Group winners in his family and he obviously is bred to have some pace," Gollan said.