Further clarity will be added to the Alabar Victoria Derby picture on Saturday night when the $40,000 Group 3 MHRC Victoria Sires Classic (2100m) is run at Moonee Valley.
Several Derby hopefuls will step out in the 2100m event, which is open to Vicbred eligible pacers.
Much of the interest will centre around the performance of unbeaten Jayne Davies-trained colt Crusaders Castle.
The regally-bred colt - by Christian Cullen out of Talk To Me, making him a half-brother to former champion filly Mother Courage - announced himself as one of Victoria's most promising young horses with dashing wins at Bendigo and Ballarat at his only two starts to date.
Davies is interested to see how he goes in the big league this weekend.
"He's won both his starts, but Saturday night's going to be his biggest test for sure," Davies said. "It's going to be interesting to see how he measures up."
"We're not going to knock him around this weekend, because it's all education for him. It's only his third start in a race, but he's definitely a horse with ability."
The Sires Classic should provide some sort of guide as to how Crusaders Castle shapes up against last week's devastating MHRC Cup winner Normie.
Tanabi Bromac and Sledging filled the minor placings in the MHRC Cup - albeit beaten more than seven and 14 metres respectively - and they are both backing up this weekend.
Vicbred Super Series placegetter Laser Edge and talented types Tear It All Away and King Of Bling add further depth to the Sires Classic.
"If he goes well on Saturday night we'll give him a week or two off and then get ready for the Derby heats," Davies said.
"Chris (Alford, driver) likes him very much. He says he's got the attributes to be a Derby horse; he's got that good high speed and it looks like he can stay a bit."
The Sires Classic is the headline act on a big nine-race card at the Valley and is scheduled for 10pm.