Trainer Brendan McCarthy finds himself in a catch-22 situation with his speedy gelding Paaratte Pat, but he is content to be patient until the issue resolves itself.

Because the five-year-old's runs have been widely spaced, Paaratte Pat is so keen to burst out of the gates he only just conserves enough energy for the finish.

Nevertheless, Paaratte Pat has notched two wins from his only three starts this preparation, which began on October 12.

A minor back issue forced his scratching from Moonee Valley last month but he is back on track for Saturday's Red Tempo Handicap (1000m) at Flemington.

"He had a bit of a break between his previous win and his last start when he ran a good race but I think he was probably just lacking that little bit of fitness at the end of the race," McCarthy said.

He believes Paaratte Pat will only realise his full potential with more race education.

"I do think there is a bit more because, even though he's had a few starts, he's still learning to race the right way," he said.

"Because he's been ultra-fresh at each start where he's gone out he's probably doing too much early in his races to be able to finish them off the way that he can.

"One of the problems has been because we've had to space his runs far apart to have him right when he gets there, he's bouncing out of his skin to have a crack at them."

Jockey Jamie Mott is gradually getting the gelding to relax more at the start and McCarthy says he will improve dramatically once he paces himself properly.

"Jamie Mott is a very relaxed rider and he's able to settle most horses very well," McCarthy said.

"He can't believe how much natural speed this horse has got and the fact he's able to do it at both ends.

"He thinks that when we're able to get him to the stage of being able to relax a little bit early - and only racing will bring that out in him - he will be terrific."

Paaratte Pat has drawn the outside gate in nine on Saturday but McCarthy is unconcerned about the wide alley.

"They seem to come pretty well down the middle of the track anyway," he said.

"I don't think it matters that much because of the way they race down the straight now."

Paaratte Pat's immediate future depends on Saturday's run but if he is competitive, he could be aimed at some of the bigger sprint races early next year.