Dressage and beach work have helped former West Australian galloper Tombola turn his form around under the guidance of Mornington trainer Jason Warren.
Tombola represents Warren's best chance of three horses to represent his stable at Caulfield on Wednesday.
Since Warren took over training Tombola midway through the year he has won three of his five starts after being winless from six races in WA.
Warren puts down the improvement in form to the more relaxed atmosphere at Denistoun Park with dressage work and regular trips to the beach.
"Spacing his runs has helped," said Warren.
"He has always gone three weeks between runs since I've had him.
"We've done a fair bit of dressage with him and taken him to the beach - he's definitely improved as a result of all that."
The four-year-old gelding jumps from barrier 14 in the Silvan Australia Handicap (1800m) where he occupies the second line of betting at $6 behind $5.50 equal favourites Just Reminiscing and Prince Jester.
Warren rates Tombola as the horse to beat.
Belle Que, a $9 chance, opens proceedings for the stable in the Hardings Hardware Handicap (1440m) and Warren says she is well suited to the distance.
Belle Que won her maiden at Mornington last month over 1225m in front-running style and Warren said the three-year-old filly is travelling really well.
"We pull a couple of kilos off with Katelyn Mallyon riding her," he said.
"She doesn't have to lead but she'll be in a forward position."
Warren's third runner Danger Close will enjoy a drier surface after getting bogged down on a heavy Sandown track at his only other city start in July.
"He's a get-back run-on horse so barrier nine won't be a problem for him," said Warren.
"We have Craig Newitt on board and we're hoping he can continue his winning form for us."