Handy sprinter-miler Absent Friends will fly the flag for the Lawrie Mayfield-Smith yard at Eagle Farm on Saturday as the trainer attempts major wins in two regions.Absent Friends will contest the Listed Tattersall's Mile (1600m) at Eagle Farm, while stablemates Danagaze, Intertheblack and Shooting Scene will tackle the Townsville Cup (2100m).Absent Friends has been out of the winner's stall since February, but Mayfield-Smith believes the six-year-old can give the Mile a shake.The Eagle Farm tra

Handy sprinter-miler Absent Friends will fly the flag for the Lawrie Mayfield-Smith yard at Eagle Farm on Saturday as the trainer attempts major wins in two regions.

Absent Friends will contest the Listed Tattersall's Mile (1600m) at Eagle Farm, while stablemates Danagaze, Intertheblack and Shooting Scene will tackle the Townsville Cup (2100m).

Absent Friends has been out of the winner's stall since February, but Mayfield-Smith believes the six-year-old can give the Mile a shake.

The Eagle Farm trainer said his gelding needs the speed on to produce his best, something that has not happened in his recent runs the latest when fourth to Strumming over 1500m on July 9.

"It was a farcical-run race last start, when the speed was very slow," Mayfield-Smith said.

"It didn't suit him, but he was still able to run home well and finish fourth.

"I'm very happy with the horse. He wasn't suited and the start before that at Caloundra the jockey said it was like he was on ice skates in the wet going and was slipping and sliding everywhere.

"It appears as though there will be some pace in the race this time. If the race is run at a true speed I expect him to run very well."

Sophie's Spirit showed speed when she won at Doomben last week and Cicarelli, who has drawn wide in barrier 11, is also expected to go forward.

That should suit Absent Friends and also likely favourite Mystical Grey who blotted his copybook last start.

Mayfield-Smith expects his three Townsville Cup runners to be competitive.

Danagaze was a strong city winner over 1800m at Eagle Farm last start while Shooting Scene and Intertheblack have been racing well on the northern circuit.

Shooting Scene finished second to Hussonator in the Mackay Cup, with the luckless Intertheblack sixth in the same race.

"Danagaze has probably got the wood on the others form-wise at the moment, but he's not as tough," Mayfield Smith said.

"Intertheblack was unlucky in the Mackay Cup. He was deep all the way and still ran a nice race, as did Shooting Scene, it's nice to have three solid chances."

In-form Caloundra trainer Darryl Hansen is also attacking both venues.

Hansen has rising star Hampden in the Total Sports Travel QTIS Three-Year-Old Hcp (1500m) at Eagle Farm and Hussonator in the Townsville Cup.

"It's a big weekend, hopefully we can keep it going. Hampden is up in weight and this is probably his toughest test, but he's a nice horse and I expect him to race well again," Hansen said.

"I can't say enough about the mare (Hussonator), she's flying and will give another great sight."

Hussonator is chasing her seventh straight win.

The Hussonet four-year-old started her run in May when she won the first of four at the Sunshine Coast, and her last two wins have been in Mackay.