Kiwi colt Summer Passage fared poorly in the barrier draw but is aiming to overcome it and add another Group I win to his record in Saturday's Caulfield Guineas.
One of three Group I winners in the race along with The Mission and Catchy, last season's Diamond Stakes winner at Ellerslie was sent to Australia after mother nature conspired against his training partnership of Andrew Scott and Lance O'Sullivan.
"We've been on the back foot and playing catch up with him because of the wet spring at home, but we're happy with him," Scott said.
"I thought his first-up run was satisfactory and it was very pleasing to see him run so well last time."
Summer Passage finished eighth behind Catchy in the Group II Danehill Stakes first-up at Flemington then set the pace in the Caulfield Guineas Prelude over 1400m last time out and was only worn down late by Perast.
That effort and the opinion of jockey Mark Zahra convinced connections to press on to the Caulfield Guineas as opposed to dropping back in trip.
"That was just his second start this prep and the winner was having his fifth run for the season," Scott said.
"Mark Zahra said if he can manage a strong 1400m at Caulfield then he should handle the 1600m."
Summer Passage worked on the dirt track at Flemington on Tuesday, covering 1000m and Scott said the son of Snitzel is still improving.
"He's come on well from each race and he's very bright and full of himself," Scott said.
"His blood is good and we believe he's a top chance on Saturday, although the visitors draw has made things harder."
A best priced $13 with Sportsbet, Summer Passage has drawn barrier 17 and will be ridden by Glen Boss in the Caulfield Guineas.
It's that man again, @lanedamian. Perast powers home to score in the Caulfield Guineas Prelude. pic.twitter.com/doHK3vqXot
— Racing.com (@Racing) October 1, 2017
