Trainer Tony McEvoy is confident French import Kourkam has come on since his last start and is ready to run a cracking race in Friday's Albury Gold Cup.
The five-year-old gelding is coming off a last-start third to Suavito and Sertorius in the Group Two Blamey Stakes at Flemington on March 14.
He loomed to be right in the finish but peaked on his run over the latter stages but Kourkam was only second up after scoring a classy win over 1600m at Morphettville on February 28.
"The horse has come on since his good run in the Blamey," McEvoy said.
"I thought he handled the step up to Group Two company well. He probably peaked on his run over the last 200 metres but it was a good effort.
"The horse is in good shape. I've been waiting to get him to 2000 metres. I'm looking forward to it.
"I was in Melbourne this week and I liked the look of Kourkam. I haven't done a lot with him, no gallops, mainly striding work but he looked fit to my eye."
Kourkam is raced by the Pipeliner Bloodstock Pty Ltd managed by McEvoy's business partner, Wayne Mitchell, Gary and John Lechte and their wives.
The five-year-old is the early favourite at $4 for the Listed race.