THREE proven big race performers begin their spring campaigns for Ballarat trainer Darren Weir at Caulfield on Saturday.
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Weir's group 1-winning mare May's Dream steps out in the group 3 $150,000 Sportingbet Sprint Series Stakes heat, 1200m.
He also saddles up former New Zealander Lady Cumquat in the Dalziel Racing Tile Importer Handicap, 1400m, and ex-WA galloper Black Tycoon in the Le Pine Funerals Handicap, 1400m, for their first outings for the stable.
This will be May's Dream's first race start since she saluted in the group 1 $400,000 Australasian Oaks, 2000m, in Adelaide in April.
The now four-year-old shone last spring.
The daughter of Melbourne Cup runner-up She's Archie finished second in the group 1 Thousand Guineas and the group 1 Wakeful Stakes.
Weir is setting May's Dream for the group 1 Myer Classic, 1600m, at Flemington on November 1.
She will first go to the group 2 Blazer Stakes, 1400m, at Flemington on October 4 and group 2 Tristarc Stakes, 1400m.
The group 2 Matriarch Stakes, 2000m, at Flemington November 8 is another possible target.
Lady Cumquat is also a four-year-old mare.
Previously trained by Roger James, Lady Cumquat has won twice and been placed five times in eight career wins.
Her wins include the group 3 Manawatu Classic, 1200m, in the autumn, with her only run since being a third in the group 3 Adrian Knox Stakes, 2000m, at Randwick in April.
Black Tycoon is top weight for his return to racing, with 60.5kg on his back.
The nine-year-old won the group 2 Perth Cup in January and last time to the races finished second in the group 2 Adelaide Cup, 3200m, in March.
Black Tycoon has 54kg in the Melbourne Cup - 2kg less than stablemate Puissance de Lune
Weir's other Melbourne Cup nominations' weights: Mobaco 50.5kg, Prince of Penzance 50.5kg and Signoff 50kg.