The Lindsay Park team had big plans for imported stayer Que Tempesta last spring, with ambitions of contesting both the Caulfield Cup and Melbourne Cup. However, after three runs, those hopes were dashed, and he was sent for a spell.

Now, the Irish-bred galloper is ready to make his return in the Group 2 Peter Young Stakes (1800m) at Caulfield this Saturday. His performance will determine whether he progresses to the Group 1 Australian Cup (2000m) at Flemington later this month.

Que Tempesta made a promising Australian debut when closing strongly for fifth in the Listed Heatherlie Stakes (1700m) last August. He then attempted to secure a Caulfield Cup berth via the Group 3 Naturalism Stakes (2000m) but could only manage sixth. His final spring appearance came in the Group 1 The Metropolitan (2400m), where he finished near the tail of the field.

Trainer Ben Hayes acknowledged the horse wasn’t quite ready for those top-level assignments but believes the enforced spell may prove beneficial.

“We were aiming for one of the Cups, but he just wasn’t able to get there,” Hayes said.

“The positive is that we were able to give him a proper break. He’s going to need this run over 1800m, but because of his rating, we have to place him in races like this.”

The plan is to assess his return before deciding whether to target the Australian Cup or opt for a softer approach via the Group 3 Easter Cup at Caulfield a week later.

A minor setback delayed his return, but three jump-outs have helped him regain fitness.

“He was meant to have a lead-up run, but things didn’t go to plan,” Hayes said.

“His last jump-out was only against one other horse, so it wasn’t much of a test, but he got a solid hit-out. Hopefully, he can be competitive first-up.”