![Welcometotheshow will give Tyler Donaldson-Aitken his first Group 1 runner when he contests the Toorak Handicap at Caulfield. [Bradley Photos]](https://betsy.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/2241443.jpg)
Trainer Tyler Donald-Aitken is set to saddle his first runner in a Group 1 contest when Welcometotheshow runs at Caulfield.
Welcometotheshow is being aimed at the Toorak Handicap (1600m) on Saturday after registering his first Stakes race victory at Flemington on September 12.
Donaldson-Aitken took Welcometotheshow to Caulfield Heath on Thursday to trial, having an easy hit-out, finishing sixth over 1000m.
“There was a Group 1 horse in there that had performed well over a shorter distance, and it was in front of us,” Donaldson-Aitken said.
“They went a bit slow early and it kicked away late, but Craig (Newitt) was happy with how he trialled.
“We wanted him to have a bit of a blow today. He hadn’t done any big pieces of work since he last raced in the Listed race at Flemington, so it was a good gallop for him.”
Donaldson-Aitken said the Toorak had come on the radar after that Flemington success and with his rating of 98 after that victory, Welcometotheshow should get into the field.
“He’ll get in on the minimum, still a couple of points out of handicap, but you can’t really argue with 52 (kilos),” Donaldson-Aitken said.
“We’ve always liked him. It was lucky that he was passed in as a Ready To Run horse from our draft and we were able to train him, and he’s become what he is.
“He always keeps stepping up and as you lift the bar, he keeps stepping up to it and coming to Saturday, it’s another big step up again, so we’ll see how he goes.
“He’s good over a mile, and the goal for this preparation, ultimately, is to get him out over 2000 (metres).”
Donaldson-Aitken has pinpointed the Five Diamond Prelude at Randwick on October 24 then the Group 3 Five Diamonds (1800m) at Randwick on November 7 as races to follow after the Toorak assault.
“He’s given us every indication that he will stay 2000 (metres), and Craig said he definitely will,” Donaldson-Aitken said.
“Once we get to 1800 then we can go to 2000 and if he can perform at that with a turn of foot, he’ll be dangerous again.”
