Waterhouse is hoping that her tough, on-pace stayer, Stampede, can race its way into cup calculations by winning the Naturalism Stakes over 2000 metres.

Stampede, a lightly raced but highly promising five-year-old stallion, gave nothing else a chance with his emphatic victory at Moonee Valley a fortnight ago.

A winner of six races from just 10 starts, Stampede looks perfectly placed to become a Caulfield Cup threat.

HOPE NO.2

The Waterhouse stable looks ready for more success later in the day when brave, four-year-old mare, Prompt Response, takes on the How Now Stakes for mares, having not started since finishing second to another Victorian, Tycoon Tara, in June this year.

Prompt Response, who has been placed twice when racing first up, will lack nothing in fitness as she's already had two strong trials at her home track at Randwick.

At $9 she seems like a great each-way bet.

PREPARING FOR EVEREST

Japanese-bred Brave Smash, imported by the powerful Weir stable, couldn't have been any more impressive when winning at Moonee Valley last start.

On Saturday, Brave Smash will take on the Testa Rossa Stakes as he prepares for a tilt at the $10 million Everest in October.

Brave Smash is $1.80 to win the listed event and, judging by his past two Australian performances, he'll certainly take beating.

CLASS GALLOPER

Gerald Ryan-trained Menari looks perfectly placed to win his first group 1 event when he takes on the $1 million Golden Rose on Saturday at Rosehill.

Menari sat on the pace at his past two runs and has been very strong in the closing stages, indicating that the 1400 metres of the Golden Rose will be a perfect stepping stone for spring riches.

The only awkward part for Menari could be gate 11. However, he has such remarkable tactical speed, the youngster will no doubt be able to overcome the gate.

DOWN IN GRADE

Robbie Laing-trained So Si Bon, who's been tackling group 2 and group 3 events of late, suddenly finds himself down sharply in grade when he takes on the Trust Handicap at Caulfield.

The sprinter has been competing against Voodoo Lad and Redkirk Warrior. Up to 1400 metres the horse looks ideally placed against company not made up of group winners.

NEW BOARD IS NAMED

Racing Minister, Martin Pakula, yesterday named five new directors to the board of Racing Victoria from October 9.

They are Brian Kruger, Rowen Craigie, Kate Joel, Ross Lanyon and Sharon McCrohan.

Mike Hirst, Greg Nichols and Michael Andrew have retained their places on the board, which will have its first meeting on October 9.