Trainer Rhys Radford gives Playing God gelding, Son Of Bacchus, a big hope of making an impact in the Listed Pinjarra Classic (1300m).
The six-year-old takes the first step in what Rhys Radford believes will be the start of a lucrative summer and autumn campaign on Sunday.
Radford’s backing of Son Of Bacchus is largely built on the back of last year’s Ascot carnival when he reached a career high in November.
He ran a short-neck second to glamour mare Kissonallforcheeks in the G3 Peters Stakes (1500m) and was far from uncompetitive when eighth in the G1 Railway Stakes (1600m) a week later.
Son Of Bacchus looked in readiness for his first up assault after he completed his second trial for this preparation at Belmont in good fashion.
Under a hold by jockey Peter Knuckey until the final 150m, he came from the rear and attacked the line strongly for a close second to Son Of A God in a 1000m heat.
Radford says Son Of Bacchus is ready to launch his return.
“He’s pulled up fine and I’m happy with him,” Radford told The Races WA.
“He rounded them up pretty good and Peter (Knuckey) was happy with the way he went.
“He’s a pretty lazy track worker so the blinkers switched him on.
“He’ll wear the head gear again on the weekend.
“Over the past year he has become a more genuine racehorse.
“He really had a good go at it last year.
“I’m hoping he can continue to elevate this time in.
“I think if he gets the luck in running he can play a part for sure.
“I don’t think this race is beyond him.”
Son Of Bacchus is one of 21 nominations for the Pinjarra Classic.
Before scratchings he has gate four for Knuckey.
After Sunday’s Pinjarra Classic, Son Of Bacchus will target the Bunbury Stakes (1400m), the Grandstand Cup (1500m) and the Old Comrade (1600m).
Meanwhile Radford says stable star Comfort Me was close to coming back into work.
The Playing God five-year-old proved himself on the big stage when he ran a bolter in the Railway Stakes, runner-up behind Western Empire.
“He’ll be back in work in three weeks,” Radford said.
“He’ll go first up into the Northam Stakes (1100m) and then the winter series.
“The Roma Cup (1200m), Belmont Sprint (1400m) and Hyperion Stakes (1600m).”
The Northam Stakes, a Group 3 1100m sprint, is on May 1.