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Despite being winless in eight Australian starts, James Cummings says the 1800m at Caulfield will suit Ziegfeld.

Trainer James Cummings is hoping a rise in trip along with getting into his third preparation will see an improved showing from imported galloper Ziegfeld. 

The UK-bred galloper who did his racing in France before being brought out to Australia by Godolphin, is set to run in the Mal Seccull Handicap (1800m) at Caulfield on Saturday. 

It will be the five-year-old's second start of his campaign having finished eighth in the Listed Carrington Stakes (1400m) at Randwick on January 22. 

Ziegfeld's career got off to a promising start in France winning three of his first five starts, but in eight starts in Australia he is yet to win. 

The son of New Approach has placed twice from those eight starts, both times at Listed level. 

Ziegfeld chased home Order Again at in the Winter Challenge (1500m) at Rosehill last July and then the following month finished second to No Effort in the Heatherlie Handicap (1700m) at Caulfield. 

To the ire of Cummings, Ziegfeld now has a higher rating than when he arrived on Australian shores. 

But one thing Cummings is looking forward to is stretching Ziegfeld out to the 1800m of Saturday's benchmark 100 handicap. 

"He's a one-paced style of horse and that's why the step up to 1800 metres should be in his favour," Cummings said." 

"But would you believe he's had eight starts in Australia for two placings and no wins and he's rated higher now than he was when he landed here." 

Ziegfeld is currently rated an $8.50 chance with TAB which has the Chris Waller-trained Desert Icon as their $3.30 favourite ahead of Dark Dream ($5.50) and last start Caulfield winner Ho Ho Khan ($6).