Trish Dunell Photography
Highlad will be on trial for a return to black-type competition when he tackles the Te Awamutu Cup (2000m) at Te Awamutu on Sunday.
Cambridge trainers Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman are focusing on the Listed Sweynesse Stakes (1950m) at Rotorua on October 21 for Highlad if he shapes up this weekend.
A last-start winner over 2100 metres in Rating 75 company at Hastings last month, Highlad will be giving a weight advantage to all his rivals in the Cal Isuzu-sponsored event when lumping the topweight of 60kg.
“It’ll make it a bit tougher for him with the weight, but we’re really happy with him,” Forsman said. “The race is on our doorstep and it will be a nice lead-up for Rotorua.”
A winner of four of his 12 starts, Highlad has contested seven black-type races.
He won last season’s Listed Wanganui Guineas (1340m) and was then third in the Listed UCI Stakes (1800m) at Flemington, while his efforts during last autumn included a fifth in the Gr.2 Avondale Guineas (2100m).