Way To The Stars will chase a strong performance at Caulfield on Saturday as connections weigh up a possible Group 1 Oakleigh Plate campaign.

Trainer Matthew Smith has had to be selective with placements for the seven-year-old, opting for the Listed W.J. Adams Stakes over 1000 metres.

The gelding also had the option of contesting the Listed Goldmarket (1100m) on the Gold Coast, but a favourable barrier draw at Caulfield proved decisive.

“We have taken the harder option but the draw at the Gold Coast and with the speed in the race I could see him caught wide,” Smith said.

“So we have chosen to take the race with the better barrier.”

Way To The Stars tasted success at Flemington last spring when landing the Listed Century Stakes (1000m) during the Melbourne Cup Carnival.

His only previous run at Caulfield resulted in a midfield finish in the Group 2 Caulfield Sprint (1100m), where he was poorly suited by the tempo and gate.

Last start he ran second in the Listed Bribie Handicap (1000m) at Eagle Farm, earning a Racing and Sports figure of 114.

“There isn’t an easy sequence of races for him at this time of year but I thought the Brisbane race was perfect first-up,” Smith said.

“But if he can get around Caulfield then there are other options further into the carnival like the Oakleigh Plate.

“Beast Mode has speed and if he can sit off them, he may be a chance.”

Way To The Stars is quoted at $7 in early markets, with Beast Mode the $3.10 favourite.

“This will give us an idea where he’s up to against some decent horses,” Smith said.

“He has to step up but you have to put the plan in place.”

Punters assessing the W.J. Adams Stakes can review current online bookmakers ahead of raceday.

The post Smith finding his Way To The Stars at Caulfield first appeared on Just Horse Racing.