Three-year-old Self Sense has been a different horse in more ways than one since being gelded.
Instead of a racehorse who finished among the stragglers, Self Sense has reinvented himself as the winner of his last two starts.
His next step is going up in grade from midweek races to Saturday races with the big test arriving in the Inglis Bonus Handicap (1700m) at Caulfield.
Co-trainer David Feek says if Self Sense can consolidate his unbeaten form as a gelding, he will earn a trip to Sydney for the Group One Spring Champion Stakes at Randwick on October 12.
"He's only won midweek so we're taking it race by race with him," Feek said.
"He's a lovely horse and he's done very well since he's been gelded."
Feek said if Melbourne's wet weather continued into Saturday then it would only enhance Self Sense's chances.
"He has a lot of ability and will enjoy the soft ground but don't underestimate our other horse in the race, Rahal," Feek said.
"We have always had an opinion of Rahal and in his training he is always looking for a way out rather than a way in, but he has improved with racing.
"We think Self Sense can win but Rahal won't be far away."
Self Sense is on the fifth line of betting at $8 behind $5 favourite Great Esteem while Rahal is a $51 chance.
Feek and his training partner David Brideoake also have Lady Lakshmi running in the Group Two Schweppes Thousand Guineas Prelude (1400m).
She showed pleasing winter form winning three of her four races but disappointed in the Henry Bucks Stakes at her last start.
"If the rain continues she might just come into the mould but she's an outside chance in a tight competitive field," Feek said.
"At least we'll know where she's at after this," said Feek.
However, if she does run well, she will remain in the mix for the Thousand Guineas and possibly the VRC Oaks.