At first glance, Pocketing’s eighth-place finish in the ATC Australian Derby might not jump off the page, but after a lengthy five-month campaign, there’s far more to consider as the Richard and Will Freedman-trained galloper prepares to trial on Tuesday.

The rising four-year-old, by Group 1-winning sire Grunt—successful in the Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m) and Australian Guineas (1600m)—will step out in a 900-metre hitout at Rosehill to kick off his spring prep, with his trainers keeping all options open regarding his upcoming path.

“He is going well,” said Will Freedman.

“He is going to find it harder because he is now a Group Two winner. He looks very well, he’s working well but he is going to need to find those handicaps where he gets in light.”

Pocketing impressed when he claimed the Group 2 Tulloch Stakes (2000m), beating out Firm Agreement and King Of Thunder on a rain-affected track during the rescheduled Tancred Stakes meeting at Rosehill in early April.

He returned just four days later in the Australian Derby (2400m), posting a Racing and Sports rating of 108—the same figure he achieved in his Group 2 triumph.

“I saw he was in the market for the Epsom,” Freedman said of the $51 quote for the mile contest.

“That would be a great dream but I am slightly reserved that sometimes those three-year-old autumn horses find the spring very difficult.”

He added, “It might be a light prep for him and we probably won’t tax him too much. If he shows any signs of not being where he was then it will be a light prep and put him away for the autumn.

“It was such an unbelievable prep last time and we did give him a very hard summer/autumn campaign.

“If he shows any signs of not being right there he won’t do too much this prep.”

Trial 9 will also feature Bjorn Baker’s Perfumist, who produced a strong run of four straight victories last preparation and is another to watch.

For punters eyeing spring futures markets, check out the latest odds and bookmakers via this guide to Australian betting sites.