Ironstein is in the mix to claim a Group 2 Brisbane Cup win when he lines up at Eagle Farm this weekend.

The Zabeel gelding finished third in the Group 3 Premier’s Cup last start after placing second in the Group 3 Chairman’s Handicap in his previous run.

Ironstein is looking to win the Brisbane Cup after finishing fourth last year - photo © Taron Clarke

Ironstein, who finished fourth in last year’s Brisbane Cup, appears to be in top form going into this Saturday’s race.

Trainer Gerald Ryan is confident that Ironstein has what it takes to win the 2,400 metre race.

“I think he’s in better form now than when he won the Tatt’s Cup last year so he should run well on Saturday,” Ryan said.

“He’s been slowly ticking over and he should peak in the Brisbane Cup.”

Ryan has replaced regular jockey Josh Adams with Michael Rodd in an attempt to give Ironstein the extra kick he needs to get him over the line in first position.

“He’s racing well but he’s been ridden a tad too close at his past two starts,” Ryan said.

“He had to go forward off a wide barrier in the Chairman’s and then he had the rails last start so we couldn’t give that up.”

The six-year-old has won eight of his 39 race starts and has earned more than $730,000 in prize money in his horse racing career.

The Zabeel gelding is looking to secure his first race win since winning the Group 3 Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Flemington on the final day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival last year.

After his Brisbane Cup run, Ironstein will not defend his title in the Tattersall’s Cup on June 23 and will instead have a spell before returning for a spring campaign.

“He’ll be going straight for a spell after the Brisbane Cup,” Ryan said.