Amazake keeps the South Australian Derby as his primary goal with an important appearance set for Caulfield.
On Saturday, the Listed Galilee Series Final (2400m) provides the launchpad toward the Group 1 South Australian Derby (2500m) at Morphettville come May 2.
Dad And Dave and Awesome Artist, fellow Ciaron Maher charges, will share the Saturday bill with Amazake.
National assistant trainer Jack Turnbull from the Maher team indicated Dad And Dave will look to stake his claim as a Derby hopeful during Saturday’s event, whereas Awesome Artist might proceed to the Listed VRC St Leger (2800m) at Flemington on April 25.
With eight starts still seeking a first win, Amazake boasts impressive staying qualities and is far more filled out than during his spring efforts.
The gelding earned third place in the Group 3 Norman Robinson Stakes (2000m) at Caulfield en route to a distant finish in the Group 1 Victoria Derby (2500m) at Flemington, something Turnbull admitted was too soon.
“We gave him a crack because he ran a place in the Norman Robinson, but he was up against Observer at that stage who was a cut above,” Turnbull said.
“Time has been his friend and he’s a fuller horse now and more mature.
“I think he’ll be fine now, so we’ll give him his chance, so he’ll run on Saturday and then onto the Derby in South Australia.
“He’s still a maiden, which you wouldn’t believe, but he’s won good prize money and has been running in good form races and only getting beaten a couple of lengths, with excuses.
“He’s in good shape.”
Coming off the Group 2 Alister Clark Stakes (2000m) at Caulfield on March 21, Amazake and Dad And Dave placed fourth and ninth.
In Tasmania over summer, Dad ‘N’ Dave claimed the Tasmanian Derby (2200m) in February.
“If he doesn’t run to form, we’ll probably turn him out,” Turnbull said.
“He’s done the whole Tasmania thing, and he would want to show us that he warrants a trip for the Derby.
“Awesome Artist is down here after winning last time and maybe heading to the St Leger.”
Racing fans should explore betting sites for the best racing betting markets on the betting sites ahead of the South Australian Derby.