Gary Portelli is confident his globe-trotting horse Gold Trail can return to his best form in the Monash Stakes at Caulfield on Saturday.

Gold Trail will his Melbourne debut on Saturday after racing at Royal Ascot and Singapore during his last campaign.

“I love this horse. He has taken me to Royal Ascot and that’s a place I never thought I’d race a horse,” Portelli said.

“I would go wherever he was to watch him because he has been so good to me. His owners, the Morton’s, are great clients and have become very good friends as well, which is what racing is all about.

Gold Trail will be having his second run after a 12 month layoff after a campaign that saw him run in the King’s Stand and Krisflyer Sprint. He was impressive in running fourth in Hong Kong but was unable to have any real impact in the King’s Stand.

In his first up run he finished fourth in the Chief de Beers Handicap behind eventual winner Gundy Son.

Gold Trail will start as a $4.40 chance in what is a very open Monash Handicap. Second Effort for for Clinton McDonald and Chris Symons is currently favourite at $3.90, while Warn Love and Uxorious also come under $5.00.

Portelli confirmed that he was more likely to save Gold Trail for the weight for age events during his next preparation.

“He is probably better placed at weight for age these days, so this sort of race really suits,” Portelli said.

“He is close to being one hundred per cent fit, and is the only Group One winner in the race. I think he is the best horse in the race but that doesn’t mean they always win.”

Portelli will also start Butt I’m Ready and Battle Ready in the first race of the day at Rosehill. Both horses will start at $18.00, while Hurrara is favourite at $2.90.

“They’re honest horses that could take advantage if they go to fast or the favourite gets locked away.”