Royal Thunder will have his third start for Dale in Friday's Federal Handicap (1600m), after two below-par efforts since moving up from the David Hayes and Tom Dabernig yard.

The six-year-old was a Melbourne metropolitan winner earlier in his career, and Dale was hopeful the son of Casino Prince could rediscover his best form this campaign before a tilt at the Country Classic.

"It is something I had on the radar for him, he's just got to be going well enough," Dale said.

"Tomorrow I suppose answers that. I had him pencilled in for that [the Country Classic] but he's got to justify it.

"He had some indifferent formlines early last preparation as well and he took a number of starts to get into the prep and find his better form. He profiles that he should improve.

"He was a bit disappointing last start on the wet track. He sat outside the eventual leader and was a bit lacklustre when the pressure went on but that was on a wet track and he's shown in the past that he's more adept on a firmer footing."

Thoroughbred Park was rated a good three late Thursday afternoon, although rain is forecast in Canberra this weekend.

The bulk of that isn't due to fall until at least Friday night, meaning Royal Thunder will potentially have conditions to suit.

Dale is taking a strong hand into Friday's nine-race meet, including promising four-year-old Cavalier Charles which resumes in a Class 1 Handicap (1200m).

Cavalier Charles won a Wagga maiden on debut before two minor placings prior to a spell.

Meanwhile, veteran Man Of Peace has pulled up well after his gut-busting third placing in last weekend's $1.3m Kosciuszko (1200m).

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"He knew he'd been round on the day but within 48 hours he was bouncing around and nice and fresh again," Dale said.

"The barrier draw didn't suit him in regards to the speed that was drawn underneath him so he had to use up a fair few tickets early.

"On the firmer track over 1200m into a headwind, he was a bit of a sitting duck but his effort was really really strong and we're very proud of him."

Dale is eyeing off next Sunday's $200,000 Goulburn Cup (1400m), or the Group 3 Chatham Stakes (1400m) at Flemington the following weekend as the eight-year-old's next assignment.

"They're the most likely options - there's no hiding with him now, he's got quite a high rating because he's won so many Saturday races and he's super consistent," Dale said. "There are a couple of race options but we're just leaving it open."

Former leading jockey John Scorse provides all the tips you need for Canberra's race meeting on Friday

Best bet: Race 9, No 4 Shores Of Avalon - Lightly raced but has plenty of speed and lots of tenacity, she will be very hard to run down from a good gate.

Best roughie: Race 8 No 9 Bellegano - Ran really well last prep and has a good fresh record, leading jockey on and will be good value

Race one: No 1 Eaglehawk - Comes into this at fifth run this prep, raced too fiercely at his first run this distance this time in and can win if he gets cover and relaxes better. No 3 Clever Missile - Very impressive this t/d two runs back, then pay to forgive last start when wide throughout in harder race. No 4 Little Arnie - Led all the way for strong win last start and has a liking for this t/d. No 2 Mohahna - Did too much work in the first half of race, previous form good.

Race two: No 7 Shenandoah - Lightly raced but shows good potential, unsuited in his last two runs and back in distance a plus for him off a freshen up. No 2 Zelago - Smart type who scored a strong win third up and out in trip a plus for him, handles all conditions. No 5 Hard Reality - Racing in top form this prep and should be on the pace throughout. No 1 Pauldron - Better than recent form suggests.

Race three: No 2 Gambler's Quest - Has shown ability many times and has found a race to suit here, drawn to suit his pattern and a good chance in a very even race. No 5 La Reconquista - Even effort at first Australian start when midfield off soft trials, extra distance suits. No 8 Wandonna - Always around the money and has claims again here. No 1 Clem Fandango - Watch parade and market.

Race four: No 2 Gunaluva - Good form last prep and ran very well first up when placed after a wide run in stronger grade, looks very well placed here. No 3 Lord Tropicana - Strong staying type who comes here at third run this prep, too far back last time when placed, looks the quinella horse. No 9 Jophiel - Still a maiden after 24 starts, placed his last four runs and will earn a place cheque again. No 10 Sir Gunsen - Next best.

Race five: No 2 Budderoo Blitz - Placed 3 of 4 starts and very good effort when resuming on the heavy, rails draw will give him his best chance to date. No 1 Rebel Bro - Very consistent last prep and resumes off a solid trial win, wide draw is probably a good thing for him. No 4 Jac The Great - Well fancied on debut at the wagga carnival when midfield, no official trial so watch parade and market. No 3 One Man Band - Next best.

Race six: No 2 Express Courier - Smart horse who should peak at third run and out to the mile looks ideal for him, brilliant winner first up and hard to beat on that win. No 1 Gunga Din - Super run from him first up and gets to his favourite distance here, claim helps. No 4 Royal Thunder - Will be improved by last two runs and has won 4 races this trip. No 6 Clergyman - Looks the likely leader and racing well.

Race seven: No 3 Cavalier Charles - Showed good promise in first racing prep, resuming here and widely drawn but can run these down if the speed is on. No 7 Exotic Deel - Smart mare resuming here but draws to suit, never far away in all runs, watch market. No 2 - Vendome - Came from a long way back to place at Moruya and extra distance suits him here, will be running on. No 1 Azoustic - Good run first up and will improve here from ideal gate.

Race eight: No 9 Bellegano - Resuming here and races well fresh, raced well last prep and with the right run she can surprise at good odds in a very open race. No 11 Kanerupt - Huge run this t/d two runs back and off a two year break, unsuited last time when back in distance and slowly away. No 3 Demonstrate - Back to his best last time and has a great second up record, can get the favours here. No 6 - Who's Knocking.

Race nine: No 4 Shores Of Avalon - Smart mare who is building a good record, pay to forgive last run when slowly away and wide, big run first up last prep and a repeat will see her outrun these. No 1 Major Time - Resuming with a big weight but has plenty of ability and draws to be in the leading couple throughout. No 11 Social Smile - In good form in weaker grade but can use the draw to advantage and be placed. No 5 Charm Offensive - Next best.