Warrnambool trainer Tom Dabernig is hoping for a more forgiving surface at Caulfield on Sunday when stable star Oliveanotherday looks to get back on the winning list in the $2 million Group 1 Manikato Stakes. 
The lightly raced four-year-old put in a lacklustre effort last start, running fifth on a good 3 track down the straight in the Bobbie Lewis Stakes at Flemington on September 12. 
The multiple Group 1-winning trainer is prepared to forget that performance. 
“A few things weren’t right for us at Flemington,” Dabernig said. 
“The track was probably a bit too hard for his liking. 
“He’s a better horse when there’s a bit of give in the surface. 
“It was also his first run down the Flemington straight and there’s a lot of horses struggle at their first run down there. 
“The Manikato is a much stronger race. It’s going to be his toughest test but I’m confident he’ll run well. 
“He’s got a good record around Caulfield. He seems to accelerate off the bend and that gets him an extra length but he’s going to need that in the Manikato.”
Dabernig’s good run continued when Fiorenot scored an impressive first-up victory at Caulfield last Saturday with Jordan Childs in the saddle. 
Fiorenot came from the back half of the field to beat He’ll Rip by a short head in the 1400-metre benchmark 85.
“We’ve always known he has some ability,” Dabernig said. “His best performance was at Flemington but I thought this was a nice race to kick off this preparation. 
“He’s a horse that’s always pulled out a really good run fresh and I actually took the one-eyed blinker off him because I thought we could put that back on as we get up in distance.”
Dabernig praised the ride of Childs.
“Jordan got into a beautiful spot,” he said. “I thought it was a great ride. 
“Fiorenot had sweated up a little bit in the yard but when he presented I thought he was actually coming into the race like the winner, then there were a few moments where I thought he might get run down.
“To his credit, he’s done really well. 
“Fiorenot’s got dry-track form, so he should be suited by the conditions coming into the spring. 
“Hopefully his rating will allow him a little bit of wiggle room, and we can keep improving as he gets to (1600), 1800, maybe 2000 metres. 
“I think we can get him out to a mile (1600m) for his next start.”
Fiorenot has won five of his 12 starts for $210,675 in prizemoney.