Darren Weir is confident Night's Watch will be highly competitive in the Gr.3 MRC Foundation Cup (2000m) at Caulfield on Saturday, a race whereby the winner gains ballot exempt status for next month's Gr.1 Caulfield Cup (2400m).

Weir said Night's Watch, a son of Westbury Stud stallion Redwood, was sure to improve off his encouraging weight-for-age debut 12 days ago when third to Magic Consol in the Gr.2 Dato' Tan Chin Nam Stakes (1600m) at Moonee Valley.

"He was sort of mucking around in the barrier and then he just didn't begin as cleanly as hoped, but Johnny Allen had to use him to be in a spot and then he loomed like he was going to win but then he evened out the last 100m," Weir told racing.com.

"Stepping out slow and having to use him a bit just took off that bit of brilliance late, but first go at weight-for-age I thought it was a terrific run."

"He's making the right steps for sure. I guess he has to take another step to 2000m but he's ticking along pretty well. Whether it's this year or not we'll see."