Turn Me Loose's fitness levels have gone up in the last fortnight and co-trainer Murray Baker is optimistic that his multiple Group One winner has now hit his winning weight.
The five-year-old was runner-up to Black Heart Bart last time out in the Gr.1 Orr Stakes and the Darren Weir-trained galloper is again seen as his main danger in Saturday's Gr.1 Futurity Stakes at Caulfield.
"Black Heart Bart has won $A3 million and, Winx apart, he's the best 1400 metre horse in Australia," Baker said.
"We just hope our bloke has improved enough – he's a big horse and he takes a lot to get him fit for a sprinter, but he does like Caulfield and Kerrin (McEvoy) rides him very well."
Baker said a decision on the future of Turn Me Loose, who beat Black Heart Bart's stablemate Stratum Star in the Futurity 12 months ago, will be made after Saturday.
"He's nominated for the Australian Cup, which is 2000 metres and I've always felt he will go past a mile and he's also in the big race in Dubai, which is 1800 metres."
Baker and training partner Andrew Forsman also have a number of leading winning chances at Matamata on Saturday.
They include the black type contenders I Got You, who will debut in the Listed Reid & Harrison Slipper, and Saint Emilion in the Listed Marks Ewen & Associates Kaimai Stakes.
"I Got You has been plagued by wide draws and we've scratched him before because of that and while he's drawn the outside again, there's only seven in it. He goes well," Baker said.
"Saint Emilion is a very genuine horse, but he's badly handicapped."
Mongolian Legend has his final hit-out in the Mills Reef Winery 2000 ahead of the Gr.1 Vodafone New Zealand Derby.
"He's talented, but he's very colty - he's got a few tricks," Baker said. "He's a very good horse if he applies himself."
Impressive debut winner Love Affair is another top chance in the Vadamos at Rich Hill 1400.
"She's got the makings of a very serious horse, they don't often come from last and win at Te Aroha," Baker said. "We might be looking at a race like the Wellington Guineas for her."
