The John Moore-trained stayer Mighty High has gained a modicum of respect for next week's A$2.5 million Caulfield Cup over 2,400m, but Australian bookmakers have him listed as only a fringe chance in today's Group One Caulfield Stakes (2,000m) in Melbourne.
And Moore agrees to some extent with that view, despite saying yesterday he is thrilled with how both Mighty High and Silver Grecian have settled into their work and surrounds.
'I think we'll see the best of Mighty High in the Caulfield Cup when he gets to 2,400m but, in saying that, I won't be surprised if he runs very, very well in the Caulfield Stakes,' he said.
'I don't think I have ever taken horses away and they've pleased me as much as these two in Melbourne. Everything has gone perfectly with them.'
Mighty High caught the eye of commentators when he finished third under handicap conditions with 61.5 kilograms first-up in Melbourne and comes back to terms against a tougher field today.
'I wouldn't say it's a soft Group One - there are no soft Group Ones - but there is no stand-out superstar in the race and we are in with a chance,' Moore said. 'And the race will knock the rough edges off him for next week in any case.'