Jockey Andrew Adkins will partner with Carif in The Metropolitan at Randwick for the first time, although the jockey has a good understanding of the stayer.
Adkins has ridden the Peter and Paul Snowden-trained galloper in trackwork several time and after partnering Carif in a gallop on Tuesday morning said the gelding was ready to go for Saturday’s Group 1 contest over 2400m.
Carif is looking to break an almost two-year winless streak having not been successful since scoring in the Listed Sandown Cup (2400m) in November 2020.
The now seven-year-old will carry only 51kg and Adkins said there will be no wasting required as he is already at that weight.
Carif is coming off a second to Durston in the Listed Newcastle Cup (2200m) on September 16.
“He can stay and he’s a fit horse deep into a prep now,” Adkins told Sky Thoroughbred Central.
“It’s his right distance and he’s coming off a terrific run at Newcastle in the Newcastle Cup behind Durston which is likely to start favourite in the race.
“I have ridden him a lot in trackwork. I don’t think I’ve ridden him in a race. I rode him this morning and he worked really nicely on the course proper.
“He gave me a nice feel. He’s a healthy horse and a happy horse and he’ll be ready to go.”
Adkins said Carif had drawn ideally in barrier six in the 15-horse field.
“I don’t have anyone to blame for drawing a bad barrier, so I was lucky there, and he’ll run a good race,” Adkins said.
Leading trainer Chris Waller has seven of the 15 acceptors for the race, including the $3.50 favourite Durston, which drew barrier eight, and The Queen’s galloper Chalk Stream (2), a $17 chance.
Carif is listed a $34 chance with TAB.