Cranbourne-based trainer Gavin Bedggood is well-prepared for varying track conditions with his two entries for the upcoming Heatherlie Stakes at Caulfield.

Both Kingswood, who is returning from a spell, and the race-hardened Just Folk are set to contest the 1700-metre Listed handicap on Saturday.

Bedggood indicated that drying conditions would suit Kingswood, while Just Folk would prefer a wetter track.

As of Thursday, the track was officially rated in the heavy range.

Given that many competitors in Saturday’s race are either resuming or in the early stages of their preparation, Bedggood is relying on Just Folk’s race fitness to be a significant advantage.

“I remember Dean Lester telling me, eight or nine years ago, the Heatherlie was a race that is won by the horse that’s come through winter, fit, and puts itself up on speed,” Bedggood stated.

“I would think that is his sort of race to be winning.”

“It’s the Caulfield Cup kick-off point for a lot of horses, and hopefully, he can be Johnny on the spot.”

Just Folk will be making his sixth appearance this campaign, following a third-place finish in a benchmark 100 race over 1600 metres at Caulfield on August 15.

He benefits from a 3kg weight drop from his last outing and will have Blake Shinn in the saddle.

Should everything proceed as planned, Bedggood is contemplating a trip to New Zealand for Just Folk, a similar path he took last year with Kingswood, who secured a win and placings at Group 1 level across three starts earlier in the year.

“We threw in a nomination over there,” Bedggood commented regarding Just Folk’s potential New Zealand campaign.

“If it was really wet, testing ground, it would be something I would consider.”

Kingswood has not competed since finishing fifth in New Zealand in March, though Bedggood mentioned the gelding has been primed for a return to racing for several weeks.

“He’s flying and going as well as I’ve had him go,” Bedggood enthused.

“His first-up run will determine where we go after that.”

“He could go to the Naturalism or the Underwood. His first-up run will determine whether we can go down that weight-for-age path, or the handicap route, and ideally, you would love to see him in the Caulfield Cup fourth-up if he’s going well enough.”

For those looking to get involved, the latest racing odds can be found at Australian betting sites.