Injury-prone Chase The Rainbow is fighting fit for his return to racing at Caulfield after more than 12 months away from the track.
His trainer Rick Hore-Lacy is confident he has the five-year-old on target for a big first-up showing ahead of an ambitious campaign.
A son of Dash For Cash who Hore-Lacy trained to two wins and four seconds at Group One level, Chase The Rainbow is taking the first steps of a summer and autumn campaign in the Listed Christmas Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield on Boxing Day that will culminate in the $3 million Group One Doncaster Mile at Randwick in April.
The lightly raced entire has had only eight races in 2-1/2 years years with feet and joint problems restricting his career.
He was due to make his return earlier this month in the Doveton Stakes at Caulfield but was scratched after cutting his leg when he kicked a wall during a sand roll.
"He's an absolute gentleman to train but if there is any trouble about, you can back it in that he will find it," Hore-Lacy said.
The 2011 Group Two Stutt Stakes winner has spent much of the past 12 months in the paddock but has pleased his trainer with his work.
"He's had two public trials and at least one jump-out so I wouldn't be questioning his fitness levels," said Hore-Lacy.
"He's in good order and we're hoping he can win."
Hore-Lacy said if Chase The Rainbow, rated a $7 chance, pulled up well on Thursday he would back up in the Standish Handicap (1200m) at Flemington on New Year's day.
"The Doncaster Mile is his grand final and it would make him as a stallion if he was able to win it," he said.
South Australian trainer Leon McDonald has scratched Essay Raider in the Christmas Stakes preferring to run keep him at home for an 1100-metre race at Morphettville.