Placing third in the Melbourne Cup, Middle Earth commences his path back to contention for Australia’s marquee race at Caulfield on Saturday.
Trained by Ciaron Maher, the one-time UK import begins with the Listed Anniversary Vase (1600m).
Subsequent plans involve transit through Sydney to Brisbane, nominating the Group 1 Doomben Cup (2000m) and Group 2 Q22 (2200m) at Eagle Farm among winter possibilities.
Thereafter, the gelding figures to pause briefly in Queensland’s winter climes for spring preparation.
In his Australian debut phase, Middle Earth captured the Australian Cup Prelude (2000m) last March, endured a lean spell, then rallied for third in Moonee Valley’s JRA Cup (2040m) ahead of his Melbourne Cup bronze medal behind Half Yours.
He reports for Saturday with two relaxed jump-outs done, featuring the latest last Monday.
From Ciaron Maher’s team, National Assistant Trainer Jack Turnbull revealed the trial’s intent was to settle Middle Earth’s exuberance.
“He trialled Monday and he’s back five days later,” Turnbull said.
“He’s a high energy horse and he’s been at Julien Welsh’s because of his barrier antics.
“He gets quite hot and claustrophobic, so he trialled Monday to run Saturday on purpose to try and knock the edge off him.
“He’s then headed up to Sydney and on to Brisbane for the Doomben Cup, the Q22 and races like that and have a prep aimed at the Cup again.”
The 61kg Middle Earth carries mirrors the winning weight of Pride Of Jenni from the prior edition.
Saturday sees Maher represented by fellow stayers Land Legend and Sayedaty Sadaty too.
Previously with Chris Waller, Land Legend has his second for Maher, as Sayedaty Sadaty returns off a third in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2600m) at Flemington after conquering the Bendigo Cup (2400m) beforehand.
Head to the betting sites for competitive odds on the Caulfield Anniversary Vase.