The road to the Melbourne Cup (Gr 1, 3200m) is set to begin for DGR-managed Carif (So You Think) as he begins his new campaign in the Civic Stakes (Listed, 1400m) at Randwick on Saturday. The Peter and Paul Snowden-trained six-year-old will be given another crack at the Flemington feature after experiencing a rough trip in last year’s renewal, coming home in 18th place.

“He got galloped on pretty badly about 600 [metres] from home. Up until then, he had half a chance,” Peter Snowden said. “He might make it (again) this year and if he doesn’t, he might make it next year.” The son of So You Think (High Chaparral) has taken in a barrier trial in preparation for his return and although the 1400-metre distance of the Civic Stakes will be short of his best, Snowden expects a solid showing.

“He doesn’t get warm until he gets over 2000 metres plus, but he will be competitive,” Snowden said. “We just want to see how he comes up in his first two or three runs, that will decide what we do with him throughout the prep.”