Michael Kent Jnr is wary that Warmonger may have picked a tough year to tackle the Tancred Stakes, but remains confident the Group 1 winner is returning to his best form.

The four-year-old aims for his first win since last year’s Queensland Derby in Saturday’s 2400-metre Group 1 at Rosehill.

Among his rivals are top international Dubai Honour, revitalised import Vauban, Caulfield Cup winner Duke De Sessa, and defending champion Arapaho. However, Kent has been encouraged by the gelding’s recent performances.

His latest outing was a fast-finishing second to Alalcance in the Randwick City Cup (2000m), and Kent was pleased to see that form confirmed in the Group 3 Manion Cup (2400m).

“Second-up at 2000 he was much better,” Kent said. “It’s shaping up to be one of the deepest editions of the Tancred I can recall.”

Warmonger, one of 22 nominees for the Tancred, is also in the mix for Saturday’s $1 million Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m), which features star Victorian filly Treasurethe Moment.

Kent is confident in Warmonger’s ability to handle varying track conditions, adding, “He’s a true stayer and will be right in the race.”