Trainer Grahame Begg believes Samangu is now ready to show her best with a win not far away.

The five-year-old heads to the Group 3 Geoffrey Bellmaine Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield on Saturday, third-up after a nine-month absence.

Samangu missed the spring after a training setback and was spelled following a Caulfield win last March.

Begg expected some ring-rust in her first-up run at Caulfield Heath on December 20 but was surprised to see her finish last in the small field.

He was more encouraged by her sixth in the Group 3 Standish Handicap (1200m) at Flemington on January 10.

“She has needed the two runs this time in,” Begg said.

“Her first-up run was a non-event as she missed the jump, and it was a 1000-metre race on the Caulfield Heath.

“It had been a long time between runs for her, so she’s certainly needed that run and I thought she ran well in the Standish and was the only one down on the inside to run well.

“She ran well and she’s prepped up well for Saturday’s race and I think she’s about there now.”

Begg said Caulfield also suits Samangu, who is unbeaten on the outer track.