Brad Rawiller expects Puissance De Lune’s envied finishing speed will be apparent in his comeback run in the $200,000 PB Lawrence Stakes at Caulfield on Saturday.

But he doesn’t know if it will be enough to compensate for the entire’s fitness doubts after 10 months out of racing with a tendon injury.

“He’s first-up off a long lay-off and he’s not in a position where we’re going to be able to make the race happen,” Rawiller said.

“We’re probably going to need a few things to fall our way, but if he gets his right rhythm and gets the right run, he’ll be charging late.

“He’s got a terrific sprint and I can’t wait.”

Rawiller has been given his first chance to win a significant race on Puissance De Lune after being part of the French import’s first three Australian victories.

He lost the ride to Glen Boss because of suspension just before Puissance De Lune’s runaway win in the 2012 Bendigo Cup and has watched on as the grey improved his record under trainer Darren Weir with victories in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes and last year’s Blamey Stakes and Lawrence Stakes.

“I can’t wait to get back on him,” Rawiller said.

“I can’t fault him at all in his action and stride, so I haven’t got any problems with his soundness.

“And in his gallops with other horses he’s been competitive and wanted to race the other horses, so I think that’s a good sign as well.”

First-up since going amiss in last year’s Cox Plate, Puissance De Lune is favourite to join Tauto (1971-72) as a back-to-back winner of the weight-for-age race which has been traditional starting point for spring chances.

Puissance De Lune is one of seven Lawrence runners resuming.

Also returning is the David Hayes and Tom Dabernig-trained import Spillway who is on a Caulfield Cup path.

Spillway won the JRA Plate (2000m) in Sydney during the autumn.

“He was very impressive at his last start and we put him away for the spring,” Hayes said.

“He trialled OK the other day. He’s healthy and well and his trackwork has been solid so he might surprise.”

Let’s Elope’s grand-daughter Let’s Make Adeal is being aimed at the Cups but trainer Nigel Blackiston has warned not to underestimate the mare on her first-up win over 1600m in lesser company at Sandown last year.