Tim Fitzsimmons is chasing his first metropolitan win in Australia, and he’s hoping Golden Monkey can deliver it in Saturday’s MRC Chairman’s Club Handicap (1440m) at Caulfield.

The former Singapore-based trainer has made a promising start since relocating to Bendigo, saddling 42 runners for nine wins and a 21% strike rate.

“It’s been a good start with what we’ve got,” Fitzsimmons said.

Golden Monkey, unplaced in his two Australian runs—the Country Discovery (1000m) at Echuca and the Golden Topaz (1200m) at Swan Hill—will wear blinkers again in an effort to sharpen up.

“Maybe he’s been going through the motions a little bit,” Fitzsimmons said.

He welcomed the wet weather in Melbourne, noting Golden Monkey’s liking for rain-affected ground.

Less welcome was the presence of Lim’s Saltoro—another familiar rival from Singapore.

“It is what it is… but 1400 metres is probably his trip,” Fitzsimmons said.

“Hopefully there’s plenty of speed on and he’s flashing home late.”