The connections of European galloper Mask Of Time are banking on a scratching from the Toorak Handicap at Caulfield.
The Hugo Palmer-trained galloper sits as first emergency in Saturday’s Group One race over 1600m at Caulfield.
Should there be no scratchings, Mask Of Time will run in the Listed Weekend Hussler Stakes (1400m) earlier in the program.
Rob Archibald, the travelling foreman for Palmer, said Mask Of Time was enjoying the Werribee quarantine facilities and connections are keen to gain a start in the Toorak.
“We’re relying on someone dropping out but that will all come to hand,” Archibald said.
“He did a really good bit of work on Saturday and a little light piece on Wednesday.
“We couldn’t be happier with the way we’ve got him but we’re going to learn a little bit more on Saturday with where he’s at.”
Mask Of Time will be having his first run for Palmer on Saturday having previously been prepared in France by Andre Fabre.
“All signs are positive at the moment,” Archibald said.
Stablemate Wall Of Fire runs in the Herbert Power Stakes (2400m) on Saturday as his lead-up run to the Melbourne Cup.
“It gives him an extra week to recover going into the Melbourne Cup as he likes his races spaced a little bit,” Archibald said.
Archibald expects Palmer in Melbourne on Friday.
