First Command will break through the $1 million prize money barrier and earn another shot at the Oakleigh Plate if successful at Caulfield on Saturday.
The winner’s cheque for the Listed WJ Adams Stakes (1000m) is $72,000.
If First Command claims it, it will bump his total purse over the milestone seven-figure mark.
The gelding has been successful in both starts this time in, most recently in the Listed Kensington Stakes, and trainer Anthony Freedman says First Command has at least held that form.
“He’s as good as what he was the other day but it’s a bit harder this week because of the handicaps,” Freedman said.
“If he were to win again we’d probably have to run him in the Oakleigh Plate again.
“We’ll use Saturday as a bit of a guide.”
First Command has contested the past two Group One Oakleigh Plates.
He underwent a wind operation after finishing last in the 2011 edition and came fourth last year, half a length behind winner Woorim.
The seven-year-old goes up to 60.5kg for Saturday’s sprint after carrying 59kg in the Kensington Stakes.
He meets the runner-up from that race, Light Express, two kilos worse after beating him by three-quarters of a length.
The WJ Adams has attracted just seven acceptors while First Command beat only five rivals at his most recent outing.
“They (small fields) can always be tricky and he’s drawn seven of seven which is not ideal,” Freedman said.
“But Glen (Boss) is riding well so hopefully he’ll sort that out.”
First Command is the $2.50 favourite with TAB fixed odds ahead of South Australian mare Avoid Lightning at $3.
