Trainer John Moloney will learn more about Nation State when the three-year-old bids to maintain his unbeaten record this campaign at Caulfield.
After wins at Ballarat and then Sandown, Nation State will line up in the Neds Supersized Saturday Handicap (1200m) on Saturday.
Nation State has made some giant steps this campaign, and Moloney is unsure where the ceiling lies, but is willing to test the three-year-old in a $150,000 race that also carries a VOBIS Silver bonus.
In all, Nation State could collect more than $100,000 in prize money on Saturday if successful.
But Moloney has warned the gelding’s owners to not get too far ahead of themselves.
“With the ratings at this time of the year, a benchmark 70 on a Saturday and the money that goes with it, it’s a pretty good deal if you win, and then being VOBIS Silver, there’s extra on top,” Moloney said.
“But I tell my owners it’s not yours until you get it, but to get the chance to run for the money, that’s the good thing.”
Nation State was spelled after a debut third at Sale in June before last month’s return win at Ballarat.
He followed up with victory in benchmark 64 grade at Sandown, leading throughout.
“He was strong, and he held through the line pretty well,” Moloney said.
“I know he did it well enough, but he’s still got a bit to learn. He’s still progressive and I think he can keep on improving.
“If he does, and with the ability he has got and if he runs true and does things right, then he’s got a good chance of being around the money on Saturday.”
How far Nation State can progress, Moloney is unsure of at present.
But the trainer said he would gain a better guide through this race against Veecee who trainers Ciaron Maher and David Eustace have a healthy opinion of.
“I don’t know what quality of a horse that he will measure into, but he’s only had the three runs and he’s showing good promise,” Moloney said.
“We can take advantage of the prize money at the moment and see where we can get to.
“I’m just hoping with the more racing he has that he keeps on improving.”
