Minor setbacks have hindered the progression of Oakfield Commands in the past, but not this campaign.
A preparation free of problems has opened the door for the five-year-old to deliver on his potential and on Saturday he will chase his third successive win in the Winter Dash (1200m) at Randwick.
His spring campaign last year was aborted after three runs due to a foot abscess and trainer Darren Smith said such hiccups had been commonplace.
"He always promised he was going to do this but he never really kept going," Smith said.
"He's had a few little niggly things in the past and this has been virtually a trouble-free campaign."
Oakfield Commands has won his past two starts over Saturday's course and distance.
While he meets some classy opposition, he does drop 4.5kg on the 58.5kg he carried last start.
The winner of the Winter Dash is exempt from ballot for next month's Ramornie Handicap at Grafton and Smith confirmed the country sprint was under consideration.
"It's on our radar but we take it race by race with him," Smith said.
"We'll give him a crack and see where he goes."
The gelding is bred and owned by Bruce Mackenzie who races the horses with the `Oakfield' moniker.
Mackenzie has had endure many slow horses but has also produced his share of handy gallopers.
"He is a home-breeder and there's probably plenty that don't see the track," Smith said.
"He doesn't go fishing, he plays with his horses."
Smith and Mackenzie will also be represented on Saturday by Oakfield Commands' half-sister Oakfield Comet in the TAB.com.au Handicap (1200m).
The mare is on the comeback trail from a leg injury which kept her away from the races for 17 months.
Smith was satisfied with her first-up ninth at Rosehill where she was beaten less than 3-1/2 lengths.
"I thought her first-up run was really good," Smith said.
"I expect her to improve and the wet track won't hurt her."
Consistent three-year-old Chewychop rounds out Smith's Randwick team in the TAB iPhone App Handicap (1400m).