Trainer John Thompson is hopeful that With Your Blessing can pick up where he left off when he steps out in the Schweppes Sprint (1100m) at Rosehill this Saturday.

The talented six-year-old signed off his last campaign with a strong second in the Group 2 Liverpool City Cup (1300m), and Thompson is eyeing another black-type target in the Missile Stakes (1200m) should he impress first-up.

“If he performs well this weekend, the Missile is certainly an option,” said Thompson. “He really stepped up last prep and went within a nose of winning a Group race.”

With Your Blessing has had three lead-up trials to prepare, winning the most recent two, and will be ridden by Alysha Collett from gate seven.

Thompson noted that the gelding thrives when fresh and handles all surfaces. “He’s consistent first-up and adaptable to track conditions,” he said.

The Schweppes Sprint includes the likes of Corniche, who resumes after limited racing over the past year, and reliable contenders Brudenell and Storm The Ramparts.

Elsewhere on the card, the Listed Winter Challenge (1500m) has drawn 12 runners, headlined by The Ingham winner Robusto, the progressive Accredited, and Estadio Mestalla – shock victor of the Winter Stakes (1400m).

Punters can bet on the Schweppes Sprint and Winter Challenge at Australia’s leading bookmakers via Just Horse Racing’s betting guide.