The training combination of Barbara Joseph and Paul Jones will use the Benchmark 65 Handicap (2000m) at Queanbeyan today as a litmus test for a possible Canberra Cup berth for Ultimate Gaze.
The up-and-coming stayer could be a bolter for the Cup if he impresses today and again in Sydney and could join stablemate Fill The Page in the feature race on March 11.
The Intergaze five-year-old has been rising steadily through the ranks and is coming off a half-length win at Albury on February 3.
Jones had high expectations coming into this preparation after winning three straight last preparation and controversially losing in Sydney after apprentice jockey Adam Hyeronimus sat up on the horse when in a winning position.
''He was going to win clearly but the apprentice sat up on him and gave up two lengths in the last 50 metres to the second horse,'' Jones said.
''If he performs well in the [Sydney] mid-week then we might have a go at the Canberra Cup.''
After two mid-field finishes, including a ninth place in the Moruya Cup, Jones said the horse had regained his confidence and would be buoyed by a perfect draw in barrier one with heavyweight jockey Simon Miller booked for the ride.
Jones labelled the Mick Smith-trained Street Spirit as one of the main dangers after the Queanbeyan-trained mare was edged out by Ultimate Gaze at Queanbeyan last preparation.
The Joseph-Jones stable has three other horses engaged and Jones expects Don't Tell Morgan to improve coming off a sixth-place finish in a strong Goulburn field.
TODAY
Queanbeyan races. First race at 1.42pm.
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