New Zealand trainer Stephen McKee will test the Australian waters with emerging talent Eight Schillings at Caulfield on Saturday.
The winner of his past three starts across the Tasman, Eight Schillings takes on a quality field in the Group Three Victoria Handicap (1400m) which could be a forerunner to bigger races in the future.
“He’s a smart horse at home and has won his past three starts and this will give me an idea which direction to go with him,” McKee said.
“I need to see how he copes with the trip away looking to the future.
“If he does as well as I hope there will be more races and better races for him in Australia.
“I certainly think he’s up to it. He ran fourth in a Group One and wasn’t beaten far.”
That fourth was in the Telegraph Handicap in January won by Guiseppina from Australian Atomic Force and El Chico where Eight Schillings finished 2-1/2 lengths from the winner.
After the Telegraph, Eight Schillings strung together wins over 1200 and 1100 metres before leading all the way to clinch the Listed Lightning Handicap (1200m) at Trentham.
Eight Schillings has drawn barrier four and will have the services of Nicholas Hall.
In all, the four-year-old has seven wins and five placings from 18 starts.
Six of his wins have been at 1200 metres or less but he does have a 1400m victory at his third start to his credit.
McKee said he had not yet decided whether he would be in Melbourne or Sydney where King Mufhasa runs in the George Ryder Stakes on Saturday.
“King Mufhasa is easy to look after so I might have to stay with Eight Schillings,” he said.
Eight Schillings’ recent form earned him second top billing at $6 in TAB Sportsbet’s market on Thursday behind Smokin’ Joey at $5.50.
The Anthony Freedman-trained Smokin’ Joey has also struck form with back-to-back 1400-metre wins, breaking a run of 15 straight losses since he made a winning debut in May 2010.
Both Eight Schillings and Smokin’ Joey will carry 54kg with the topweight Happy Zero on 60kg.
