Cauthen and Clevadude are set to clash again with both three-year-olds nominated for the Listed McKenzie Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley on Saturday.

Clevadude will defend his undefeated record at Moonee Valley against Cauthen in the McKenzie Stakes on Saturday. Photo by: Race Horse Photos Australia

The pair first met in the Sweeney Can Do Agents Handicap (1000m) at Moonee Valley on August 3 and Clevadude overcame a poor start to record a single length victory but Cauthen had plenty of excuses after being checked severely with 500 metres left to run in the race.

Cauthen was having his first run in Australia, after winning a maiden at Te Rapa in New Zealand by eight and a half lengths, and jockey James McDonald believes that the son of Darci Brahma will improve significantly from the experience.

“He will learn a lot from that experience and I don’t think Moonee Valley will pose any problems for him this time,” McDonald told New Zealand Thoroughbred Marketing.

“I think the key to his chances on Saturday will be drawing out a little wider.

“He is a big striding horse and I just don’t think he likes to be held in too much.

“If he can be on the outside he can get rolling when he wants too, that will be a big help.”

Clevadude improved his record to three wins from four starts after his victory at the start of the month and was set to contest the Group 3 Vain Stakes (1100m) at Caulfield on Saturday but was scratched on the day of the race.

Both Cauthen and Clevadude have been nominated for the Group 1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m) and their chances in the feature race will become a lot clearer when they face a field packed with other hopefuls on Saturday.

Robert Smerdon-trained Jade’s Boy is the only horse in the field who was not included in the Caulfield Guineas nominations released a fortnight ago with a number of classy youngsters including the undefeated Long John, consistent maiden Shamus Award and Peter Moody-trained Weinholt all set to compete in the McKenzie Stakes.