The Naturalism Stakes looms as a test to decide dual Oaks runner-up Zanbagh’s Caulfield Cup capabilities.

Zanbagh was placed in both the VRC Oaks and ATC Australian Oaks last season while trained by the late Guy Walter, whose sudden death prompted her owners to send the mare to Payne’s Rockbank property.

Zanbagh’s condition amazed Payne while the mare’s temperament also made an impression on the former champion jockey.

“Zanbagh is totally undamaged, she’s sound, happy and Guy’s looked after her well. She’s an absolute sweetheart to do anything with,” Payne said.

Payne’s primary task is to secure a maiden Group One win with the four-year-old after Zanbagh claimed the Group Three Keith Nolan Classic in the autumn.

“We think she’s an ideal Caulfield Cup horse. With the way she’s rated at the moment and the way the weight scale is, it should suit her,” Payne said.

Payne will wait until the third run of Zanbagh’s spring campaign to reintroduce her to Group racing in the Group Three Naturalism Stakes, which offers a Caulfield Cup ballot exemption to the winner.

The Bernardini mare’s campaign starts over 1500m at Moonee Valley on Saturday week before she returns to that venue for her second-up run.

“There’s another mile handicap two weeks after that and then two weeks after that is the Naturalism Stakes and that will determine where we go with her,” Payne said.

“If she was able to win that (Naturalism Stakes) then she would be showing signs she is a Caulfield Cup horse.”