Honest campaigner Pounding will chase a lucrative payday when he lines up in the VOBIS Gold Heath (2000m) at Caulfield on Saturday.

Trained by Peter Moody and Katherine Coleman, the six-year-old has earned over $63,000 this prep and will be racing for $96,250 plus a $30,000 bonus.

From 53 starts, Pounding has collected nearly $1.45 million with eight wins and 16 placings.

He returns seven days after finishing fifth in the Listed Winter Championship Final (1600m) and steps up to 2000m for the first time since last July.

“He loves a seven-day back-up… it sets him up well for this one,” Moody said.

“He’s got Jimmy The Bear to contend with again, but a different one seems to win each week.”

Despite the tough opposition, Moody remains hopeful.

“He’s been consistent… you’d like three or four of them in the yard.”

Pounding may bypass weight-for-age targets in favour of country cups like the Sale Cup this spring.