Anthony Freedman has gone back to the beginning in a bid to shape the future of imported galloper Mawingo.

And the first public step in the process will be taken in Saturday's Group One C F Orr Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield.

Mawingo came to Freedman 18 months ago as a promising import from Germany and almost immediately indicated he was a lot more.

A win at Flemington in his Australian debut in April last year provided only a clue to the Group One win in the Doomben Cup that followed two starts later.

But Mawingo inexplicably went backwards in his second Australian campaign last spring.

After two barrier trial wins he came to Flemington for the Makybe Diva Stakes looking superbly fit only to run last.

He then made only marginal improvement second-up when eighth in the Underwood Stakes behind Ocean Park and was turned out.

This time around Freedman is happier with the horse and is looking forward to a promising return on Saturday.

"He's shown signs that he might be back to where he was a year ago," Freedman said.

"He was never happy last time, so we've gone back to the start."

Mawingo is facing a test at Caulfield in which his personal pass mark won't be high.

He's never run over the 1400m of the Orr Stakes and he's up against one of the best horses in the country in All Too Hard and Freedman's hopes are higher than his expectations.

"All Too Hard is a very good horse and is the one to beat," he said.

"My horse might find it too short, but he should get the right run and if there's some pace on I'll be looking for him to be finishing off strong."

Mawingo is one of only a few horses engaged on Saturday capable of chasing the $1 million bonus offered to the winner of the Group One treble of the Orr Stakes, the Peter Young Stakes and the Australian Cup.

Callanish, and possibly Wall Street, look like the only others with winning chances in any of the three chosen races, and possibly the only others who will attempt them.

All Too Hard is a $2.50 chance despite an awkward barrier that seems likely to ensure he either races wide or at the rear.

One rival jockey who believes the star colt could be vulnerable is Kerrin McEvoy who rides Pinwheel.

"Obviously he's a quality horse but at the same time he's a backmarker and he'll need the speed on up front to get the best out of him," McEvoy said.

"It'll be an interesting race but he's going to get back .... it wouldn't surprise me if he's a bit vulnerable."