Having nearly been lost to Hong Kong, the Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr-trained Natural Mystic will chase a second win over a middle distance at Flemington.

A winner over 2000m at his second career start last month, Natural Mystic returns to the track in the Sir Henry Bolte Handicap (2000m) on Saturday.

The outing will be Natural Mystic’s fourth start in a race after the three-year-old finished fifth over Saturday’s course and distance on June 4.

Natural Mystic drew a wide gate that day and Price said the gelding had to do work early in the contest to take up a forward position.

Drawing barrier five on Saturday, Price said Natural Mystic will get a much kinder run.

“He’s going well and should get a good run,” Price said.

“It will be a bit different from his wide gate last start where he had to do plenty of work and only got beaten a couple of lengths.

“I’m a little bit mindful that this is his first serious racing preparation, but he’s taken his time to mature, and I don’t think I will be running him again after Saturday.”

Natural Mystic is a son of Price’s former Victoria Derby winner Tarzino.

Price, who is also a co-owner of the gelding, believes Natural Mystic has a bright future as a stayer in Australia after being knocked back from a future career in Hong Kong.

“He was nearly on the Hong Kong list, but knocked a rail down at the last minute, so we get to keep him,” Price said.

“He’s got a bright future and is a real stayer and I’m sure we’ll have a bit of fun with him.”