Gavin Bedggood well-positioned for Heatherlie Stakes

Trainer Gavin Bedggood from Cranbourne appears to have all bases covered regarding track conditions for his two contenders in the upcoming Heatherlie Stakes at Caulfield.

The Listed 1700-metre handicap on Saturday will feature Kingswood, who is first-up, and the race-fit Just Folk.

Bedggood expressed a preference for drier ground for Kingswood, whereas Just Folk would benefit from more rain-affected going.

The Caulfield track was rated heavy on Thursday.

With a number of horses in Saturday's field either resuming from a break or early in their preparation, Bedggood is pinning his hopes on Just Folk's established race fitness.

"I remember Dean Lester telling me, eight or nine years ago, the Heatherlie was a race that is won by the horse that's come through winter, fit, and puts itself up on speed," Bedggood shared.

"I would think that is his sort of race to be winning."

"It's the Caulfield Cup kick-off point for a lot of horses, and hopefully, he can be Johnny on the spot."

Just Folk is set to run for the sixth time this campaign, most recently finishing third in a benchmark 100 event over 1600 metres at Caulfield on August 15.

He carries 3kg less than in that race and will be ridden by Blake Shinn.

If plans align, Bedggood is considering a New Zealand campaign for Just Folk, mirroring the approach taken last year with Kingswood, who achieved a win and Group 1 placings in three starts earlier in the year.

"We threw in a nomination over there," Bedggood said about Just Folk.

"If it was really wet, testing ground, it would be something I would consider."

Kingswood has been sidelined since a fifth-place finish in New Zealand in March, but Bedggood indicated the gelding has been ready to race for a fortnight.

"He's flying and going as well as I've had him go," Bedggood commented.

"His first-up run will determine where we go after that."

"He could go to the Naturalism or the Underwood. His first-up run will determine whether we can go down that weight-for-age path, or the handicap route, and ideally, you would love to see him in the Caulfield Cup fourth-up if he's going well enough."

Consider exploring the latest racing odds available at online bookmakers for the Heatherlie Stakes.