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Mick Price is hopeful of Tavidance continuing his elevation up the ratings order that in turn will enable the gelding to one day enter what the trainer calls a better race during the autumn.

To achieve Price's target, Tavidance will need to win Saturday's Listed Lord Stakes (1700m) at Caulfield after which the gelding may earn a short break. 

Price, who trains in partnership with Mick Kent Jr, shares in the ownership of the gelding with family members, his co-trainer and stable stalwart Mick Nolen. 

Tavidance enters Saturday's race in excellent form coming off an unlucky second in the Kilmore Cup last month before a last start success at Pakenham, both times partnered by Damien Oliver. 

"He's going superb," Price said. 

"He should have won the Kilmore Cup and his win the other day was very strong. 

"Running a place in the Kilmore Cup cost him winning a metropolitan handicap, something like a benchmark 84, anyway he's going to rocket up through the ratings which won't be a bad thing. 

"Hopefully he can win on Saturday and then we can tip him out. Not that he needs to go out, but I don't want to bang him around on these summer tracks. 

"If he wins this, he'll get his rating up for a better race in the autumn, and that's where he will go." 

Price was delighted to see the rain, and at times heavy rain, fall across Melbourne in the early part of the week which should have the Caulfield track in perfect condition. 

That is despite the 30c temperature forecast for Boxing Day, although he was a little concerned drawing barrier nine in the 11-horse field. 

"Drawn nine out of 11, I think that will be left to D Oliver how to ride," Price said. 

"There might be a bit of push from the inside as horses jock up to get their position, but that's why you put the best on." 

Tavidance was favourite at $2.50 with TAB for the Lord Stakes on Thursday. 

Price and Kent Jr also saddle Tavisan in the day's other feature, the Listed Christmas Stakes (1200m). 

Tavisan was rated a $9.50 chance on Thursday, but Price said the sprinter could not be any fitter ahead of Saturday's race. 

"The key with Tavisan will be the pace in the race," Price said. 

"There doesn't look a lot a speed so if Sansom and Tavisan don't eye-ball each other, it looks like a race that sets up alright for him. 

"He's hard fit, he'll be well-ridden and he'll get his chance to get away with it. 

"His form is well exposed and there's no massive improvement in what he's been doing, other than a bit of tough, hard, race fitness."