Trainer John Sadler is eyeing the first Group One race of the new season with Caulfield specialist Charmed Harmony.

Sadler will aim Charmed Harmony at the Memsie Stakes (1400m) on August 27 on his home track.

Charmed Harmony is on target to return in the Group Three Aurie’s Star Handicap (1200m) at Flemington on August 6, the first metropolitan meeting of the 2016/17 season.

The gelding hasn’t raced since he finished last in the Group One Stradbroke Handicap at Eagle Farm last month.

Sadler explained Charmed Harmony had failed dismally in three runs when he raced in either Sydney or Brisbane.

“He’s had three races right-handed and has run tailed off last in the three of them,” Sadler said.

“He just does not go that way for whatever reason.”

Sadler said Charmed Harmony, the winner of three 1400m races at Caulfield on top of a fifth placing behind Stratum Star in the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes last spring, enjoyed a break in the Queensland warmth before returning to Melbourne.

He said he was pleased with Charmed Harmony who had a jump-out at Caulfield last Tuesday to progress his fitness.

“He looks terrific,” Sadler said.

“He’ll probably need the run up the straight at Flemington but he’ll run well in the Memsie.

“Hopefully he’ll be just a little bit ahead of where those first-up horses might be.”

Sadler said spring hopefuls in his stable were a little lean.

Bengal Cat, his other potential contender will spend the spring in the paddock recovering from a knee injury suffered when unplaced behind Abbey Marie in the Group One Australasian Oaks at Morphettville in May.

“She’ll spend the spring, or most of the spring in the paddock and be back for the autumn,” he said.