Darwin trainer Stephen Brown believes Caulfield can prove a field of dreams for Canali to banish the memories of his last-start Moonee Valley nightmare.
The five-year-old will tackle the premier event on today's Melbourne metropolitan meeting, the $90,000 65-Roses Victoria Cup (1100m).
Brown is optimistic Caulfield can deliver better fortunes for Canali, who was a victim of circumstances when eighth at the Valley the last time he raced.
"It just didn't go right for him that day," Brown told the NT News from Victoria last night.
"He drew barrier one and the inside (part of the track) was chopped up badly because it had bucketed with rain and Canali's race was the last of the day.
"We learnt he didn't like it wet - but were expecting a good track (today) and I think Caulfield, especially from the 1100m start, will suit him a lot better than Moonee Valley."
Brown has been encouraged by the improvement Canali has made in the fortnight since that appearance.
"He's very good, I'm really happy with him, I would be disappointed if he didn't run a good race," Brown said.
The international Group 1 winning trainer knows Canali's chances largely rest on the tempo of the race and he pinpointed a familiar face as the most dangerous adversary.
"The Soldier is the biggest worry for us, especially if both of them go head-to-head early on," Brown said.
"We've drawn three and he's drawn five. There doesn't look to be much early speed elsewhere."
Peter Mertens has been booked to ride The Soldier, while Stephen Baster continues his association with the Brown stable.
Canali was last night rated a $9.00 fourth favourite on TattsBet, while The Soldier is a $16 chance.
Brown joked a double would be nice with Canali one of three runners in Victoria for him today.
The other two are Bolton - who is likely to get a start after originally being second emergency in the final race at Caulfield - and Below, which is entered to race over 1500m at Cranbourne.
Multiple Darwin premiership winning hoop Scott Hillebrand has taken advantage of the weekend of no racing in the Top End to renew his association with Below, the 2011 NT Derby runner-up.
Story courtesy of Gregor Mactaggart, NT News
