This weekend promises to be a key one for the Chris Waller stable, as three well-credentialed colts return to action across two states, headlined by the debut of Coleman in the Victory Stakes (1200m) at Eagle Farm.

Coleman, runner-up in the Golden Slipper, switches to Waller’s stable after being transferred from Matt Laurie and was floated to Queensland midweek after bypassing the Hawkesbury Gold Rush.

Also racing Saturday is Gatsby’s, who will attempt to bounce back in the Hawkesbury Guineas with blinkers removed and a step up in trip following advice from Nash Rawiller.

“He galloped well but relaxed far better without the blinkers,” said Charlie Duckworth. “He’s trying, so hopefully this helps him get back on track.”

Coleman’s form dipped late last prep but he impressed in two recent trials and will wear a nose roll for the first time.

“We’ve tweaked the headgear and his manners have improved,” Duckworth said. “We hope he can unleash late.”

Meanwhile, Emirate, a dual winner who placed fifth in both The Run To The Rose and Golden Rose, is set to return in Brisbane after missing the spring’s Coolmore Stud Stakes due to bone chips in his fetlocks.

“He was one of our leading hopes for the Coolmore, but we discovered the chips after a jump out,” Duckworth explained. “It might have been brewing since the Golden Rose.”

Emirate resumes in a three-year-old contest with the stable taking a patient approach to his comeback.