There's life in the old boys yet.That's the hope of rival trainers John Wallace and Pat Duff who are looking to win the Listed Brisbane Handicap at Eagle Farm on Saturday with their respective elder statesmen Mitanni and Hard To Catch.Ten-year-old Mitanni is the oldest runner in the 1600-metre feature with prizemoney earnings of $1.18 million while Hard To Catch, who is two years younger, has banked $1.15 million for his connections.Wallace believes Mitanni is ready to return to winning form for

There's life in the old boys yet.

That's the hope of rival trainers John Wallace and Pat Duff who are looking to win the Listed Brisbane Handicap at Eagle Farm on Saturday with their respective elder statesmen Mitanni and Hard To Catch.

Ten-year-old Mitanni is the oldest runner in the 1600-metre feature with prizemoney earnings of $1.18 million while Hard To Catch, who is two years younger, has banked $1.15 million for his connections.

Wallace believes Mitanni is ready to return to winning form for the first time since claiming the Listed Eye Liner Stakes (1350m) at Ipswich in June.

The son of Danewin has started four times this campaign for two placings but Wallace believes the veteran was unlucky not to score last start when third to Zahas Pride at Doomben on November 7.

"He was a bit unlucky last run when the field pulled up in front of him," Wallace said.

"He's crying put for 1600 metres and the horse has never looked better and has dapples all over him."

Duff backed Wallace's observations of Mitanni's last run as Hard To Catch was a victim of a similar fate when the gelding finished sixth to Zahas Pride.

"I was far from disappointed with Hard To Catch's last run," Duff said.

"He pushed forward last time hoping the speed would continue but it slackened off and it then developed into a sprint home.

"I think Hard To Catch is finally in the right weight range now with 57 kilos and if he gets the right speed on up front he'll be hard to beat.

"It won't surprise me to see both veterans, Hard To Catch and Mitanni, fight out the finish."

Hard To Catch will be looking to avenge his defeat in last year's Brisbane Handicap when he finished third to Alverta.

Both horses are likely to back up in the Listed Recognition Stakes (1600m) at Eagle Farm in two weeks.

Wallace is also looking ahead to the Magic Millions carnival at the Gold Coast in January with Mitanni who will be chasing the 21st victory of his 85-start career in the Brisbane Handicap.

"He's won over 1600 metres before and I think he'll run further now he's older," Wallace said.

"He was ridden for speed when I tried him over a distance early in his career but he settles a lot better now so I might run him over 1800 metres in the Stayer's Cup on Magic Millions day."