Import Could Surprise First-up In Futurity

Imported galloper Guest Of Honour could be the surprise packet in the Group One Futurity Stakes at Caulfield on Saturday, according to his new trainer.

Guest Of Honour will be having his first outing for the Lindsay Park training combination of David Hayes and Tom Dabernig after being sent to Australia for last year's Cox Plate under the care of Marco Botti.

The son of Cape Cross failed to complete the course in the Cox Plate and was transferred to Lindsay Park's Euroa establishment to recuperate.

A winner of five of his 14 starts overseas, Guest Of Honour finished ninth in the Toorak Handicap at Caulfield before the Cox Plate.

Dabernig said Guest Of Honour arrived at Lindsay Park with a few minor issues but had put on condition during his spell.

And he won't be surprised if the six-year-old runs well first-up.

"He's never run below a mile before," Dabernig said.

"But with our training and being first-up at 1400-metres, he could just be one of those imports that might sprint well fresh."

Guest Of Honour has spent most of his time at Euroa preparing for a return to racing and has recently ventured to Flemington for jumpouts.

"He's done most of his work at Euroa but we've brought him down to Flemington over the last couple of weeks for trialling purposes and to get him used to the stable," Dabernig said.

Brad Rawiller takes the ride in Saturday's Group One event after Damien Oliver and Craig Williams rode Guest Of Honour during the spring.

Four extra horses, the Chris Waller-trained trio of Boban, Bull Point and Weary along with the Norman Waymouth-trained Mister Milton, were added to the nominations after they were extended on Monday.