Trainer Andrew Campbell admits he is on edge as exciting three-year-old Cauthen resumes in the Group One Telegraph Handicap at Trentham.
Injury curtailed Cauthen's spring campaign in Melbourne but not before he won the McKenzie Stakes at Moonee Valley, beating subsequent Cox Plate winner Shamus Award and Caulfield Guineas winnerLong John.
Campbell says he's not concerned about the shin soreness which kept Cauthen away from the Caulfield Guineas, but he is hoping for a good effort today ahead of a planned Australian campaign.
"It's just a big race and I'd get a bit nervous anyway," Campbell said.
"It's quite a big ask really, fresh up over 1200 metres in a Group One, but I'm very happy with the horse. I couldn't fault him."
Campbell's previous charges include Tavistock, a Group winner on both sides of the Tasman, and he has no doubt Cauthen is at least as talented. "They're different types, but ability-wise this horse is the best I've ever saddled up, for sure," he said.
Cauthen's chances in the Telegraph have improved with the withdrawal of one of his main rivals, Railway Stakes runner-up Waterford, with a pastern injury.
But he does face a strong field, including Nashville and Final Touch and sprinters Barbaric and Trepidation.
