Trainer Troy Corstens is anticipating Saturday's Group III Vain Stakes at Caulfield will shape the spring campaign of exciting colt Kobayashi.
Kobayashi led all the way to win the Listed Redoute's Choice Stakes over 1200m at Caulfield by three lengths last time out in April and Corstens, who trains the son of I Am Invincible in partnership with his father Leon, says the colt has pleased in two trials ahead of resuming.
You can watch Kobayashi in the black jacket winning his 800m heat last Friday in 44.01 seconds below.
"He hasn't been under any pressure in his two jumpouts and he's pleased us in both," Corstens said.
"It's hard to say if he's improved from last preparation because he has not been off the bit but I can say he's come back very well and is moving very well."
Kobayashi has won his last two starts, both over 1200m at Caulfield, and Corstens said Saturday's race over 1200m is the ideal starting point before culminating in what he believes can be Group I level.
"We're going into the spring with our eyes and mind open," Corstens said. "The way he won the Listed race suggests he is up to winning better races and we're thinking he can get us to either the Caulfield Guineas or the Coolmore on Derby day.
"Saturday's race will give us more of an idea but we're certainly very happy with him."
Corstens will also saddle last start Group I winner Montoya's Secret in Saturday's Group II PB Lawrence Stakes over 1400m.
The daughter of High Chaparral was another to jumpout last Friday and has the Caulfield Cup as her ultimate aim.
"She's come back well and Saturday is the right race for her to start," Corstens said. "She's come back stronger and looks terrific so we're looking forward to getting her back to the races."
Ben Thompson has been engaged to ride Kobayashi and Noel Callow will be aboard Montoya's Secret.
