Navy ready to set sail

GUN colt Merchant Navy is on target to make his return in the Rubiton Stakes at Caulfield as he builds to his main autumn target, the Newmarket Handicap.

Merchant Navy is one of the headline nominations for Saturday’s Group 2 Rubiton (1100m), one of two options considered for his return along with next week’s Lightning Stakes.

“It looks like he’ll be running on Saturday,” trainer Aaron Purcell said.

“We’re going to accept and then just work the field out but most likely Saturday is going to be his kick-off point.”

Merchant Navy charged home to win the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) at Flemington at the end of his spring preparation.

And while his autumn campaign is being geared around having him at his peak in next month’s Group 1 Newmarket Handicap (1200m), Purcell still expects Merchant Navy to be hard to beat in his return.