Gavin Bedggood, a trainer based in Cranbourne, has his bases covered regarding track conditions for his two runners in the upcoming Heatherlie Stakes at Caulfield.

Both Kingswood, who is first-up, and the race-fit Just Folk are set to compete in the 1700-metre Listed handicap on Saturday.

Bedggood prefers drying ground for Kingswood, while Just Folk would appreciate a wetter surface.

On Thursday, the track was rated in the heavy category.

Considering that many of the contenders in Saturday’s race are either returning from a spell or in the initial stages of their campaign, Bedggood is optimistic that Just Folk’s race fitness will be a significant asset.

“I remember Dean Lester telling me, eight or nine years ago, the Heatherlie was a race that is won by the horse that’s come through winter, fit, and puts itself up on speed,” Bedggood said.

“I would think that is his sort of race to be winning.”

“It’s the Caulfield Cup kick-off point for a lot of horses, and hopefully, he can be Johnny on the spot.”

Just Folk is preparing for his sixth start this campaign, coming off a third-place finish in a benchmark 100 race over 1600 metres at Caulfield on August 15.

He carries 3kg less than in his last run and will have Blake Shinn aboard.

If all goes well, Bedggood is considering a trip to New Zealand with Just Folk, mirroring his strategy last year with Kingswood, who secured a win and Group 1 placings in three starts earlier in the year.

“We threw in a nomination over there,” Bedggood mentioned regarding Just Folk.

“If it was really wet, testing ground, it would be something I would consider.”

Kingswood has not raced since finishing fifth in New Zealand in March, but Bedggood indicated that the gelding has been ready to race for the past couple of weeks.

“He’s flying and going as well as I’ve had him go,” Bedggood stated.

“His first-up run will determine where we go after that.”

“He could go to the Naturalism or the Underwood. His first-up run will determine whether we can go down that weight-for-age path, or the handicap route, and ideally, you would love to see him in the Caulfield Cup fourth-up if he’s going well enough.”

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