English visitor Meydaan has impressed connections with his first look at the Caulfield track ahead of Saturday’s $5 million Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m), with travelling foreman Paul Holley confident the gelding is ready to perform at his best.

Holley, who has travelled to Australia with Simon and Ed Crisford’s team before, partnered Meydaan in a searching gallop on Tuesday morning and was more than satisfied with how the stayer handled the Caulfield circuit.

“There was a bird, and he had a good look at that down the back, but over the last 600 metres I let him stride on a little bit and I was pleased with him, and he galloped out well,” Holley said. “He might be better on more of a galloping track like Flemington, but he’s run around Goodwood which is an undulating course. All his best runs have been at Goodwood, but I think Caulfield will be OK for him, but I think Flemington would be better again, as Caulfield you are turning all the time. Fingers crossed, we’re ready to go.”

Holley reported that Meydaan found his rhythm on the right leg through the bends before switching as he straightened, a positive sign for the gelding’s first race in Australia. He also noted the horse has adjusted quickly to his new surroundings, recovering any travel-related weight loss and thriving in the Melbourne climate. “He’s not leaving an oat,” Holley said with satisfaction.

The Crisford team know what it takes to compete at the spring carnival, having previously campaigned Without A Fight and West Wind Blows in Melbourne. Without A Fight went on to make history for the Freedmans last year, winning both the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups after transferring stables.

Holley said Meydaan, currently rated an $8 second favourite behind Half Yours ($2.50), had similar upside to his former stablemate West Wind Blows. “I think this horse is going to keep on improving,” he said. “As a younger horse he was doing it the wrong way around. He was too keen early on, but since he’s been gelded, he’s learning to race properly now, and we’ve got the best of him to come, I think.”

Andrea Atzeni will take the ride on Saturday, with the plan to have Meydaan settle midfield around sixth or seventh. The final Caulfield Cup field and barrier draw will be confirmed on Wednesday morning. For the latest markets and betting offers, visit Australia’s top betting sites.