Murray Baker will have a much better idea by mid-morning on Tuesday whether It's A Dundeel can line up in the Caulfield Stakes.

Speaking from New Zealand, the trainer said It's A Dundeel was due to have a shoe put on late on Monday after the abscess which has been plaguing him burst out of the heel earlier in the day.

"They are just putting the shoe on him and we're going to see what he's like in the morning," Baker said.

"But once the abscess burst in the heel, he's made very good progress today.

"So we've just got to see what he's like in the next couple of days."

He said if they were happy with the four-year-old he would canter around on Tuesday morning and then if the horse was OK he would go to the beach to walk in the water.

"But if we're not happy with him, he won't work and he won't race on Saturday," Baker said.

He said he was being guided by his stable representative in Melbourne and the vets.

"They've tried hard with him. It's just one of those things that couldn't have happened at a worse time," Baker said.

It's A Dundeel has won five Group One races including the Underwood Stakes last start when he got the better of Atlantic Jewel.

The previously unbeaten mare is entered for a rematch on Saturday should It's A Dundeel make it to the starting gates.

If It's A Dundeel is ruled out of the Caulfield Stakes, Baker said the four-year-old would go straight into the Cox Plate and he was convinced he could get him ready.

"I wouldn't be worried, five weeks between races," he said.

"It's just up to us to have him ready,"

The Caulfield Stakes has attracted 14 nominations headlined by It's A Dundeel and Atlantic Jewel.

Reigning Melbourne Cup winner Green Moon is also nominated along with Makybe Diva Stakes winner Foreteller.