Middle Earth, third across the line in last year’s Melbourne Cup, launches his latest challenge for Australia’s iconic staying event at Caulfield this weekend.

The ex-British galloper, handled by Ciaron Maher, uses Saturday’s Listed Anniversary Vase (1600m) as his seasonal bow.

Next stops include Sydney en route to Brisbane, eyeing the Group 1 Doomben Cup (2000m) and the Group 2 Q22 (2200m) at Eagle Farm as feasible winter goals.

A concise freshen-up in Queensland’s mild winter weather would follow, priming the gelding for spring targets.

Middle Earth hit the ground running in Australia, securing the Australian Cup Prelude (2000m) during March of last year, only to encounter difficulties until grabbing bronze in the JRA Cup (2040m) at Moonee Valley—his penultimate run before the Melbourne Cup third behind Half Yours.

Two undemanding jump-outs prepare him for Saturday, one of which was held last Monday.

Jack Turnbull, National Assistant Trainer in the Ciaron Maher yard, indicated the jump-out aimed to dull Middle Earth’s sharpness.

“He trialled Monday and he’s back five days later,” Turnbull said.

“He’s a high energy horse and he’s been at Julien Welsh’s because of his barrier antics.

“He gets quite hot and claustrophobic, so he trialled Monday to run Saturday on purpose to try and knock the edge off him.

“He’s then headed up to Sydney and on to Brisbane for the Doomben Cup, the Q22 and races like that and have a prep aimed at the Cup again.”

Middle Earth meets the starter burdened with 61kg, the identical load that propelled Pride Of Jenni to win last year.

Maher further enters stayers Land Legend and Sayedaty Sadaty for the Saturday clash.

Land Legend’s second for Maher comes after stints with Chris Waller, while Sayedaty Sadaty debuts post-third in Flemington’s Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2600m), succeeding his prior Bendigo Cup (2400m) success.

Visit racing betting markets to find the best prices for Saturday’s Anniversary Vase at Caulfield.