Debutant Seeiaye has opened favourite for the Max Lees Classic at Newcastle, but trainer Peter Snowden says the colt’s behaviour in the mounting yard will be the key to his performance.

The youngster has trialled twice, finishing second on debut before winning his most recent 900-metre Rosehill heat in style.

“He can gallop,” Snowden said. “He worked terrific on Tuesday, but he’s just got to take that quiet attitude to the races. If he gets there and he’s showing his anatomy off to everyone that’s not going to be good.”

Snowden says punters will know early.

“If he holds it together in the mounting yard, you’ll know how he will run and if he does hold it together, he will run really well.”

A $65,000 Magic Millions buy, Seeiaye will line up against 11 other debutants in the Max Lees Classic (900m), named in honour of the late Newcastle trainer Max Lees.

Kris Lees, who won the race last year with Gobi Desert, saddles two fillies — Farhah and Pomelo Chamomile — as he chases consecutive victories.