Michael Kent Jnr is confident Pivot City has the talent to reach Stakes class again, but he and co-trainer Mick Price are opting for a steady approach as they guide the gelding through his current preparation.

The promising galloper will look to notch his second win this campaign in the $130,000 Smartloans Bendigo BM84 Handicap (1300m) on Saturday, marking his third start since being gelded.

Following a stylish victory at Flemington and a strong runner-up finish at Moonee Valley where the track didn’t suit, the stable is resisting the urge to push Pivot City too far too soon.

“He’s a gelding now, he’s consistent and he’s got a good turn of foot, I think he should run really well,” Kent said.

“He was third in a Group 2 Tobin Broze behind Skybird as a three-year-old and I do think he’s a horse that will go through the grades.

“I don’t see any reason why he couldn’t get to open class, Stakes level in time.”

Pivot City returns to Bendigo, the scene of his commanding debut five-length win that once had him touted as a Coolmore Stud Stakes hopeful.

He missed that Group 1 goal and faded in form following the Group 2 Tobin Bronze Stakes, leading to the call to geld him for this campaign.

This prep, he’s shown flexibility coming from off the pace in both starts, and Kent is pleased with the inside draw this time around.

“It’s a big track which should suit his running style, but he doesn’t have to get too far back. He can land close to the speed,” Kent said.

Beau Mertens retains the ride aboard Pivot City, who sits at $3.50 favouritism for the final event on Golden Mile Raceday.