Casino Seventeen, a proven Group 2 performer, will have his third outing for trainer Gavin Bedggood in Saturday’s 25/26 VRC Membership Renewals Open (2530m) at Flemington. The race will provide Bedggood with a valuable guide to the gelding’s spring ambitions.

“He’s been everywhere,” Bedggood said of the durable galloper. “He hasn’t been to Tassie yet, but he could make a nice Hobart Cup horse. He’s very tough, and for a tried horse, he’s come to us extremely sound. It makes my job easy.”

Formerly trained in Perth by Grant and Alana Williams, Casino Seventeen claimed both the Perth Cup (2400m) and Lee Steere Stakes last year, showcasing his ability at both staying and middle distances. Since joining Bedggood’s stable, he has run second to Jimmy The Bear first-up and then produced a midfield effort at Flemington over 2000m on July 19.

“He was excellent first-up, and I was satisfied with his second run,” Bedggood said. “This week’s race isn’t as strong as I thought it might be, but it lacks tempo, which he needs to find cover. Hopefully, he can get a good run behind the leaders.”

Bedggood described Saturday’s race as pivotal. “It’s a fork in the road for him,” he said. “If he wins, we can look at having a throw at The Archer. If he’s just a rung below the top horses, there are still plenty of second-tier options for him, and we could even freshen him up and shorten his distance.”

The winner of The Archer (2500m) at Flemington on September 13 will earn a ballot exemption for the Melbourne Cup (3200m), making it an attractive target should Casino Seventeen perform well this weekend.