Lee Freedman has high hopes for the spring with talented youngster Smokin' Joey but admits he has some reservations about his right-handed debut in the Group Two Champagne Classic at Doomben on Saturday.Smokin' Joey made a huge impression when coming from last to win his only start in the Listed Blue Sapphire Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield on May 1.The win convinced Freedman to try his luck in Queensland with the son of Encosta De Lago, who is on trial for the Group Two Sires' Produce Stakes (1400m

Lee Freedman has high hopes for the spring with talented youngster Smokin' Joey but admits he has some reservations about his right-handed debut in the Group Two Champagne Classic at Doomben on Saturday.

Smokin' Joey made a huge impression when coming from last to win his only start in the Listed Blue Sapphire Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield on May 1.

The win convinced Freedman to try his luck in Queensland with the son of Encosta De Lago, who is on trial for the Group Two Sires' Produce Stakes (1400m) at Eagle Farm next month.

"I like horses who come out and win their first start, particularly the way he did," Freedman said.

"It was a good win at Caulfield, but it was a weak race. He's in this race on Saturday to see if he can go on to the Sires next start."

Smokin' Joey's barrier 11 doesn't worry Freedman as he expects the colt to again get back in the second half of the field.

"The alley isn't much of a concern as he'll get back again," he said.

"I'm more worried about how he handles racing right-handed at Doomben.

"He's been working fairly that direction up in Brisbane but he's been swapping his legs a bit."

Smokin' Joey is a full-brother to Freedman's former top performer Our Smoking Joe who won 10 races and more than $1.6 million in prizemoney.

Freedman believes Smokin' Joey has the potential to be better than his sibling and hopes to campaign him during the spring.

The Group One Caulfield Guineas (1600m) in October will be one of his main targets.

"He's showing more at this stage of his career than his brother did and has the potential to be better," Freedman said.

"He's a lot like Our Smoking Joe and is very big and laid-back.

"On his pedigree he should get better as he gets older."

Freedman had no argument with Brisbane trainer Desleigh Foster who believes the interstate invaders appear inferior to their Queensland rivals.

Forster, who will saddle up the consistent Adebisi, rates local sprinters Spirit Of Boom and the unbeaten Buffering as bigger threats to her colt's chances than the interstate visitors.

Adebisi will jump from the rails after coming off a wide gate to narrowly go down to Spirit Of Boom in the Listed Ken Russell Memorial (1200m) at the Gold Coast last start.

Forster has a high regard for Smokin' Joey, but believes the Melbourne colt faces a distinct disadvantage in his right-handed debut.

"She (Forster) could well be right with Smokin' Joey. He's still got to handle that direction and get around Doomben which is a small track for such a big strider like him," Freedman said.