Phillip Stokes with Terbium after their Zeditave Stakes win (Image: Racing Photos)
Jockey John Allen expects a strong showing when Terbium resumes at The Valley on Saturday but trainer Phillip Stokes is wary of the rain-affected conditions his talented four-year-old gelding will experience for his seasonal reappearance.
The Group 3 Zeditave Stakes winner, by unheralded stallion Terango, has impressed Allen with his recent work ahead of his first-up run in the Benchmark 90 over 1200 metres.
"I've had a few sits on him this preparation, we had a nice trial at Cranbourne, and he seems to be going well," Allen said.
"He seems to have made good improvement and he's working well enough to run well on Saturday."
Terbium trialled nicely at Cranbourne on August 5 over 800m but Allen said it's been his work since that trial that has him the most bullish.
"He's had a private jumpout at Pakenham since the trial and that was a more strenuous workout that we were happy with," he added.
Having won over 1300m, Allen didn't rule out the possibility that we could see Terbium stretch out over further this preparation as he continues to mature.
"He's got a great attitude, he switches off in his race, so I think anywhere from 1200m to 1600m will suit him," Allen said.
While Stokes reiterated the thoughts of Allen, he did caution that the potential Soft ground left more questions than answers going into the weekend.
"The ground is still a concern, he hasn't really been tested on this type of ground," Stokes said.
"This is all new and we're still learning about him with him only being lightly raced."
Stokes is also looking forward to the return of Group 1 winner Mr Quickie, who trialled at Cranbourne on Monday.
"We're happy with his trial and he appears to have come back well," Stokes added.
"We have him nominated for absolutely everything, so we'll see where he takes us, but it is certainly exciting."
WATCH: Terbium's Zeditave Stakes win