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His recent form appears underwhelming on paper, however Carif’s connections are satisfied he has returned to work as good as ever.
Peter Snowden is confident Sandown Cup winner Carif is building towards another standout performance but admits it is unlikely to come in Saturday's Gosford Cup.
The accomplished horseman could not be happier with how the recently gelded five-year-old is tracking despite finishing unplaced in two autumn starts in the Doncaster Prelude and JRA Plate.
Snowden says Carif is again likely to find the 2100 metres of Saturday's Listed race too short but hopes it can provide the ideal springboard to his next run in the Group 3 Premier's Cup (2400m) at Eagle Farm on May 29.
"You won't see him do anything until he gets to 2400 plus. He just doesn't react over anything under that," Snowden said.
"He will run a nice race (on Saturday). He probably couldn't win over 2100 metres at Gosford but he gets to a mile-and-a-half a couple of weeks later and maybe a Brisbane Cup after that. It's two miles this year so that will suit him perfectly if we get there.
"He's in great order. He is going particularly well, he just needs more ground."
The Gosford Cup field will change shape by race day with several acceptors set to contest alternative events.
There are four early scratchings, including Raheen House who will run at the Gold Coast, while Spirit Ridge and Paths Of Glory line up in Friday's Wagga Cup.
The Snowdens' best chance at stakes success this weekend rests with Marboosha, who will attempt to give the stable successive wins in the Gold Coast Guineas (1200m) after Hightail 12 months ago.
Runner-up in Group 3 grade last start, the filly has the outside draw in 15 but with the track rated heavy on Friday, Snowden isn't overly concerned by her gate.
"It's not always a bad thing drawing wide at the Gold Coast, they normally go pretty quick so she may be able to slot in somewhere," he said.
"She is a very good filly. She travelled up there (Wednesday) night so she will definitely be running."
Barn mate and wet track duffer Kalashnikov is an early scratching from the Ken Russell Memorial (1200m) due to the heavy conditions and will be saved for the Champagne Classic a week later.
