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Dothraki, the stalwart of the Triple Crown ranks, returns to Group One company for the first time in three years on Saturday in the $1.25 milion Newmarket Handicap at Flemington.

The eight-year-old last took on a race at the top level when fifth in the G1 Doomben 10,000 in May of 2016 after missing out by a head when beaten by Malaguerra in the G1 BTC Cup a fortnight earlier.

Despite his age he has been in arguably the best form of his career this season, securing a G2 success down the straight at Flemington in the Bobbie Lewis in September and landing in the Newmarket off stakes placed efforts at G2 and 3 level and a third placing in the Magic Millions Sprint in January.

The son of Mossman has earned over $1.6 million in prizemoney since his purchase by Triple Crown syndications from the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling June Sale for $45,000 in 2012.

Dothraki led when just gunned down by Eckstein in the G3 Southern Cross Stakes at Randwick on February 16 and co-trainer Peter Snowden is delighted with how the veteran has progressed heading into the Newmarket.

“His work has been excellent and he is in great order heading to Saturday,” said Snowden.

“It’s a track he really likes and he’s going down there as good as he can be.

“He’s had an excellent preparation, he’ll be very competitive once more no doubt.”

It’s a big day for Triple Crown team with their champion sprinter Redzel making his return in the G2 Challenge Stakes at Randwick, a race he won in track record time 12 months ago.

Peter Snowden is confident Redzel can produce a repeat of that performance.

“Redzel is working really well. He’s come through his trial well and while there’s room for improvement coming out of Saturday I’m more than confident he’ll run really well.

“If there’s a bit of rain around that certainly won’t hurt him.”

The dual Everest winner cruised to a four lengths trial victory at Canterbury on February 25.

Snowden says the Triple Crown filly Belitsa , a last start Canterbury winner, deserves her chance in the G2 Reisling Stakes at Randwick.

“Belitsa worked strongly this week,” said Snowden. “She deserves this crack at a nice race and she gets her chance on Saturday.

“The barrier draw helps her cause, she’s honest and that will take her a long way.”