Two progressive gallopers from the Ciaron Maher & David Eustace stable are set to kick off their latest campaigns at Caulfield.
Thought Of That and Mankayan pair off against each other in Take It To The Neds Level Handicap (1600m) on Saturday.
Both have not raced since late last year and are potentially heading to Queensland.
Eustace said the track condition on Saturday, currently in the Good range, was important for Thought Of That who had been scratched from a race at Sandown last Saturday because of the heavy ground.
“He doesn’t like wet ground, but he’s pretty forward fitness wise and Caulfield should be alright for him,” Eustace said.
“It will be a nice starting point. We haven’t got anything picked out at this stage, we just want to see how he comes up, but he should run pretty well.”
Now a five-year-old Thought Of That, was a Group 3 winner as a three-year-old and was one of the leading fancies for the 2019 Victoria Derby when finishing midfield.
Thought Of That lost his way before finding form at Sale last August which saw him string together three wins on end before winding up his campaign finishing fourth to Zayydani in the Listed Ballarat Cup (2000m) last November.
Mankayan has not raced since finishing fourth to stablemate Smokin’ Romans in the Listed Pakenham Cup (2500m) last December.
That followed a win on heavy ground at Cranbourne and second placings at Caulfield and Flemington.
“I think Mankayan will probably need the run,” Eustace said.
“Again, with him, we haven’t got any fancy aspirations.
“We just want to see how he goes on Saturday and work through the grades and get him up in trip.”
Thought Of That and Mankayan are both rated $15 chances with TAB that sees the Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young-trained Uncle Bryn as the $2.10 favourite.
