The much-travelled Craig Williams has returned from his latest stint in Japan with the same New Year's resolution as usual - to improve his strike rate and ride as many Group One winners as possible.

The champion jockey has had a break with his family since returning from Japan, trout fishing and catching up with cousins at Cobram he hadn't seen for four years.

He returns refreshed with four rides at Caulfield on Wednesday.

"I couldn't be happier and I'm looking forward to getting back to the racetrack," Williams said.

He got the taste for international racing in 2001 when he seized the opportunity to live and ride in England and Europe for 2-1/2 years.

"That opened the door to Hong Kong where I spent the next three years," Williams said.

"Without that experience I wouldn't be where I am today.

"I made a lot of friends and contacts who I ride for and I want to keep those associations going.

"There is nothing better than to get on the international stage and ride at that level."

Williams is comfortable speaking Cantonese in a racing environment and is now learning Japanese.

"I love to embrace their culture and language as best as I can," he said.

Williams sits fourth on the Melbourne jockeys' premiership with 15 wins behind Damien Oliver on 27.

He knows it is important to keep a high profile in the premiership but with three months overseas as well as two holidays a year, it's hard work to stay near the top.

"For me to get a contract and opportunity in Japan I need to perform well here otherwise I won't meet the criteria," he said.

Williams' Caulfield rides include the unraced Robert Smerdon-trained Cautious in the Jacob Park Thoroughbreds Plate (1000m) and the well-regarded Text'n Hurley in the Equiano Speed Yearlings Heat 8 (1440m).

"I don't know much about Cautions except she is a speedy two-year-old while I have had one ride for one win on Text'n Hurley," Williams said.

"She had the best closure in that race and here she is down in class but up in distance."