Paul Perry's Group I Champagne Stakes-winner The Mission will use Saturday's Stan Fox Stakes (1500m) at Rosehill as his first step towards the Group I Caulfield Guineas.
Perry broke an eight-year Group I drought when the $32,500 yearling purchase ran his rivals into the ground during the autumn and now the Newcastle Hall of Fame trainer has his sights set on the $2m Caulfield Guineas.
Perry believes the Group II Stan Fox Stakes (1500m) is the perfect starting point, especially considering the set-weight conditions of the race.
"The 1500m first-up is a bit of an ask but it's just a nice race to start him off in," Perry said.
"He gets the Group I penalty in all those other races and I think the extra distance suits him a bit better.
"The aim all along has probably been the Caulfield Guineas so this looks a good race to kick off in."
The son of Choisir has had two trails in preparation for his race return including a five-length trial win at Newcastle over Sense Of Ocassion on August 17.
"He seems good. He's had a couple of trials and done a fair bit of work," Perry said.
"I thought he trialled beautifully. He wasn't extended and he looked good."
The Mission's two career wins have both come on heavy tracks, however Perry believes the firm track won't be an issue.
"I don't think the track is any concern, he seems to handle all conditions to me," he said.
The Mission is $7.50 with CrownBet for Saturday's Stan Fox Stakes and $51 with Luxbet for the Caulfield Guineas.
