Having won the Queensland Derby, Maison Louis registered his peak spring performance on his second start after a spell, and Tom Charlton, his trainer, expects a like result as the four-year-old arrives at Gosford.

Saturday’s Listed Gosford Gold Cup (2100m) awaits the gelding following an encouraging fresh effort, closing powerfully for sixth against Hellsing at Randwick on a 1500m trip that didn’t suit.

The run matched Charlton’s hopes for the gelding’s initial appearance this preparation, unlike his patchy form through spring.

“He couldn’t have done any more. He looks to have come back well,” Charlton said of the first-up run.

“He ran third in the Hill Stakes second-up last prep, which is a strong weight-for-age race, so if he can replicate that he will run well.

“He let himself down a bit pre-race last preparation, so we’re just trying to build a bit of confidence for him and get him back in his groove.”

Post five early non-runners, Maison Louis got barrier 11, with Charlton unsure if Gosford’s tight circuit is perfect but not viewing it as a drawback.

“He is short-coupled and hasn’t got a great, big action,” he said.

“He’s got a turn of foot for a horse over that trip, so I think he will be fine.”

Charlton holds no rigid path for Maison Louis, explaining that his Gosford showing will influence choices, including potential starts in Sydney and Brisbane like The Q22 (2200m) at Eagle Farm on June 13.

Friday’s Gosford Cup markets had Maison Louis at $8, with Portland from Matt Smith’s stable the $5.50 top pick.

Discover the betting sites offering competitive odds for the Gosford Gold Cup.