Veteran sprinter Zaratone did enough in his first start for Bjorn Baker to suggest he can be a force in Saturday's June Stakes.
The seven-year-old led the field in his usual fashion in the Listed Ortensia Stakes at Scone and held on for fourth, 1-3/4 lengths behind the winner Satin Shoes.
Zaratone hasn't won since the Sebring Stakes in April last year and will be reunited with Kathy O'Hara who rode him to that Group Three win.
The Listed June Stakes (1200m) attracted 28 entries with Baker to delay a decision on a start for another new stable acquisition, Liveandletdie, until after he gallops on Tuesday morning.
"Zaratone has come through his last start well and he is a definite runner with Kathy O'Hara to ride," Baker said.
"I'll wait until after Liveandletdie works in the morning to decide if he runs. We may wait for another race."
Zaratone will carry 54.5kg in the June Stakes with Rarefied and Neeson joint 60.5kg topweights.
Formerly based in New Zealand in partnership with his father Murray, Baker has made major advances in Sydney racing this season, sitting at No.12 on the trainers' premiership.
He will be in Brisbane on Saturday where Celtic Prince runs in the Queensland Derby (2400m).
A full brother to Group One placed Said Com, Celtic Prince has won just one of his nine starts but his $32,130 prize money could help him keep the Murray Baker-trained Ambitious Champion out of the race.
Ambitious Champion has won two and finished second at another four of his seven starts but the lesser stakes money in New Zealand counts against him.
"Celtic Prince handles all tracks and is a dead-set stayer," Baker said.
"In fact I wish the race was 4000 metres. He would handle that easily."
Baker said City Of Song, a close fourth in Saturday's Listed Bright Shadow at Eagle Farm, would not back up in the Dane Ripper Stakes and would be saved for the Gai Waterhouse on June 15.