Desert Lightning will begin his spring preparation on Saturday, with his campaign potentially building toward the prestigious Caulfield Cup.

The six-year-old, prepared by Peter Moody and Katherine Coleman, lines up first-up in the Group 2 PB Lawrence Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield, which features ten runners after the withdrawal of Chris Waller’s Full Count Felicia.

His most recent appearance was a fourth-place finish in the Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap (1400m) at Eagle Farm in June, narrowly behind favourite Private Eye for Saturday’s race.

Moody explained that Desert Lightning spent some additional time in Queensland before returning to their Pakenham base last month. Formerly trained in New Zealand by Peter Williams, the gelding joined the stable after the 2024 All-Star Mile at Caulfield.

While he has not been tested beyond 1600m with his current trainers, Moody hinted that this campaign could see him step up in trip, with entries lodged for both the Caulfield Cup (2400m) and the Cox Plate (2040m).

“We may give him his chance to stretch out in trip this time around,” Moody said. “The Caulfield Cup, that’s all pie in the sky stuff at the moment, but we may give him his chance. He has won out to 2100 metres as a younger horse and I don’t think we’ve had him out past a mile since he’s been with us and that was in the Toorak last year.”

Drawn to jump from gate one, he will be ridden by Ben Melham. “Barrier one, it’s the shortest way home,” Moody said. “He enjoyed the benefit of a bit of Queensland weather on his back and he had a jump-out at Caulfield the other day and he seems in good order. It’s a very competitive race, as you would expect, but he goes into it in good order.”

For those interested in a wager on the PB Lawrence Stakes, visit Australia’s leading betting sites to secure the best odds and offers.