Trainer Matt Dunn is hopeful former stakes performer Petrology is back in the right head space to win his first race in two years at Ipswich.
Petrology will give jockey Jim Byrne a chance to win his fourth Listed Eye Liner Stakes (1350m) on Saturday.
Formerly trained by the Hayes family’s Lindsay Park operation, Petrology’s last win was at Moonee Valley in June 2017 but he has shown glimpses of the form that won him the 2014 Sandown Guineas.
He was also third in the 2017 Group One Toorak Handicap.
Petrology has at various times been rated a future star, bound for Hong Kong, and earmarked for a stud career.
After much deliberation the three-quarter brother to Group One winner Aqua D’Amore, was gelded and eventually sent to Dunn at Murwillumbah.
Dunn has taken his time with Petrology who has had one start for him in November and two runs this winter.
Petrology was second first-up at the Gold Coast and was beaten less than two lengths when midfield in the Listed Spear Chief Quality won by Redouble at Doomben two weeks ago.
“The talent is there but it is a matter of getting him in the right head space,” Dunn said.
“He was Group One-placed as a younger horse. I won’t make any predictions but he has pleased me this time in.”
Byrne is coming back from a four-month injury induced break and took two mounts at Doomben on Wednesday.
He is regarded as the King of Ipswich as he has won every feature race at the track multiple times.