Andrew Campbell couldn’t be happier with Cauthen’s progress in Australia, so much so that he decided to bypass a scheduled gallop at Moonee Valley on Tuesday morning.

Cauthen (NZ) will make his second Australian appearance at Moonee Valley on Saturday in the LR Mitchell McKenzie Stakes (1200m).  “I was toying with the idea of going down there but decided to keep him at home,” Campbell said.  “I’m really happy with him and he had a good hit-out earlier this week and a bit of a blow afterwards.”

Cauthen has been stabled with trainer Peter Morgan north of Melbourne at Whittlesea alongside his (NZ) stablemates Weissmuller (Handsome Ransom) and Mossimo (Mossman).

Cauthen (3c Darci Brahma – Minori Express by Green Line Express) was in the wars at his first Australian start at Moonee Valley on August 3.  He hit the rail where the 1000m chute connects with the course proper and was doing his best work in the final furlong.

“He’s come through the race well and the three week break has been perfect,” Campbell said.  “He will back up in a fortnight in the Henry Bucks at Flemington before the Guineas Prelude and Caulfield Guineas.”

Cauthen was an effortless 8 length winner on debut at Te Rapa last month before crossing the Tasman.  He cost $85,000 from the draft of Wentwood Grange at the 2012 NZB Karaka yearling sale.  “I’ll take credit for picking him at Karaka,” said Campbell.  “He is a lovely horse and the owner are a great group.”

Named after champion USA jockey Steve Cauthen, the colt is raced by a syndicate headed by prominent Wellington-based owner Tommy Heptinstall and sports the same colours as top-drawer gallopers Tavistock and Sangster.