A brilliant return to racing has signalled that Lubrication is primed to continue his rise through the ranks as he heads into Saturday’s Group Three George Moore Stakes at Doomben.

The gelding announced himself earlier this year when landing the $1 million The Archer (1300m) at Rockhampton in May, defeating none other than future Group 1 winner Transatlantic.

With The Archer again on the radar later in the season, trainer Matt Dunn is focused squarely on the George Moore Stakes (1200m), where Lubrication will aim for his first black-type success.

The task is significant with topweight Caballus and reigning champion Hidden Wealth among the opposition, though Dunn took enormous encouragement from Lubrication’s eye-catching first-up run over the same track and trip when beaten only narrowly by Caspernova on November 15.

“He really stepped up last prep and I think he’s come back a bit better,” Dunn said.

“He has never run as well as that first-up in his life. He’d had five first-up goes and run third once.

“He had to go all the way back from a crumby gate and he finished his race off really well. He just missed the bob.

“He’s going great, and I think he’ll be very competitive on Saturday.”

Lubrication boasts an excellent profile at the Doomben 1200 metres, having posted two wins and three placings from eight attempts.

Dunn is optimistic the gelding can play a significant role this summer and potentially defend his title in The Archer.

“Things need to fall into place in terms of the timing of his prep but certainly, he’s got a slot and if it fits in well we’ll be going there again for sure,” he said.

Punters can compare George Moore Stakes odds at Australia’s top betting sites.