Trainer Ciaron Maher says punters will see a stronger Merchant Navy when he attempts to remain unbeaten in Saturday's Group III HDF McNeil Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield.
Merchant Navy won his three autumn runs in Victoria with his campaign culminating in a strong win in the Listed Anzac Day Stakes (1400m) at Flemington in April.
Maher spelled the son of Fastnet Rock after that effort after the post-race signs indicated the colt needed a break and the Caulfield trainer said Merchant Navy has appreciated not being pushed too far in his maiden campaign.
"He was dominant in his last win but he tightened up out the back after the run so we sent him out," Maher said.
"It was fairly noticeable that he furnished a lot in his break."
Sportsbet has Merchant Navy as a $3 favourite in its 'all-in' McNeil Stakes market after pleasing jumpouts on August 4 and 22 and Maher expects the three-year-old to be around the mark fresh.
"Hopefully he can win that first-up," Maher said.
"He's prepped up well and he's developed since his two-year-old year and he's got a great record. And the race is in his backyard.
"He's got a great set of lungs so I wouldn't mind a bit of give in the track and if there was showers around for the rest of the week, then it would be fine."
Starspangledbanner was the last Caulfield Guineas winner to race in the McNeil Stakes when the colt completed the double in 2009 but Maher said that double was a goal with Merchant Navy.
"I reckon he's definitely a Caulfield Guineas tyoe but I think the 1400m or mile will be perfect for him," Maher said.
Mark Zahra will ride Merchant Navy in the McNeil Stakes.
Merchant Navy is a $16 chance in the latest Caulfield Guineas market.
