With a horse high in confidence and the recent endorsement of a premier jockey, Darley believes the time is right to give Knoydart (by More Than Ready) a shot at a Group One race.
The Peter Snowden-trained Knoydart, unbeaten in three starts since he was gelded, will take aim in Saturday's Oakleigh Plate (1100m) at Caulfield against a capacity field of 18 runners.
Knoydart has won Listed races at his past two starts, including an eye-catching Hareeba Stakes performance at Mornington last Wednesday when he unleashed a big sprint from midfield to score by 3-1/4 lengths.
It prompted winning jockey Nash Rawiller to declare the four-year-old up to winning a high-pressure Group One race.
Rawiller will not be aboard on Saturday however, with James McDonald taking the ride at 53kg.
Darley's Melbourne foreman Paul Snowden said the timing was right for Knoydart to be given a chance in a big sprint.
"He is just in a good spot. His confidence is massive," Snowden said.
"He's three from three this time in and his win at Mornington was massive, to overcome bias on the day and to come from that far back.
"I know they went hard but he was the only one that was getting home."
Snowden says Knoydart, who will jump from barrier five, has been kept happy since his Mornington win.
Peter and Paul Snowden will be training our brilliant More Than Ready x Quick Blush filly from their Randwick stables - with only 15% remaining be sure to check her out.
Mathew Toogood - AAP