Tom Charlton is looking for a positive return from Queensland Derby winner Maison Louis at Randwick as connections consider another trip north this winter.
Twelve months ago, the son of Super Seth progressed from winning a Goulburn maiden at his second start to taking out the Group 1 Derby at his seventh before mixing form in the spring.
The best of his four runs last campaign was a Hill Stakes placing second-up behind war horse Lindermann, prompting connections to give the gelding an extended break and bring him back at the end of the autumn.
“His form just tailed off a bit after starting really well,” Charlton said of Maison Louis’ spring preparation.
“We gave him a bit of time, so he will resume on Saturday, and he can work towards races over a bit further in Sydney and maybe Queensland.
“He has a bit of weight so we’re just looking for a positive first-up run and he may go to a Gosford Cup or something like that second-up.”
Maison Louis has 60.5kg in Saturday’s First Australian Imperial Force Handicap (1500m) and will have to overcome an awkward gate in 12.
Stablemate Girl About Town isn’t certain to take her place in the HMAS Sydney Handicap (1100m) with connections also considering kicking her off in easier grade on the Kensington track on Monday.
However, there is the lure of an inside draw at Randwick and Charlton says he will see how both fields come up before making a call.
A daughter of Zousain, Girl About Town has shaped well at the trials, comfortably winning her most recent, and is expected to be competitive wherever she lines up.
“She has shown good ability,” he said.
“I’m sure there will be plenty in (Saturday’s) race with similar trials or race performances, but when she does run, she will run well.”
Charlton will also have stayer King Pedro resuming in the Battle of the Dardanelles Handicap (1600m), while consistent mare Polymnia drops in grade from a brace of stakes placings to tackle the Anzac Day Cup (1800m).
“Polymnia is knocking on the door. She’s racing very well, and it looks a good grade of race for her,” Charlton said.
Dylan Gibbons has been booked to ride all four of Charlton’s Randwick runners.
