Phillip Stokes is hoping his fresh is best approach with Mr Quickie can pay dividends at Caulfield when his stable star takes on Russian Camelot in the Underwood Stakes.
Mr Quickie has not raced since he resumed with a second to subsequent Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes winner Behemoth in the Memsie Stakes over 1400 metres a month ago.
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Stokes has decided to space Mr Quickie’s runs by three to four weeks this spring as he believes that’s when the horse produces his best.
The trainer is looking forward to Mr Quickie stepping out over 1800 metres in Saturday’s Group One Underwood Stakes.
“His first up run was really good. He’s in good order and he’s probably improved a bit,” Stokes said.
“Taking on Russian Camelot and those sort of horses, it’s going to be a good test but if he gets the right run he’ll be in the finish.”
Stokes said the key to Mr Quickie’s chances would be whether there was speed in the race as if there wasn’t enough, it would be difficult for the backmarker to make ground.
A decision on whether Mr Quickie tackles the Caulfield Cup or the Cox Plate at his next start will be made after the Underwood Stakes.
Mr Quickie will be ridden by Damian Lane for the first time.
