John Thompson reckons he has just about figured out the puzzle that is recent stable acquisition Surreal Step and he is hoping to see the fruits of his labour at Randwick.

The six-year-old has been with Thompson for three runs and the respected trainer has learned a bit more about him each time.

“He’s an older horse and they have their quirks,” Thompson said.

“When you’ve had the horse all along you know their quirks, where with each run, I’ve learned a bit.

“The longer I’ve had him, the better he’s got.”

After making a solid start for his new stable when beaten less than two lengths first-up in the Hawkesbury Gold Rush, Surreal Step got out of his ground in the Wagga Town Plate but made late headway to finish midfield.

Thompson fitted him with winkers and Surreal Step responded with a closing third to the in-form Conscript last start.

The gelding will tackle the same course and distance when he steps out in the Listed Bob Charley AO Stakes (1100m) at Randwick on Saturday when Thompson hopes the final piece of the jigsaw will come together.

“I did try to get him to jump better last start, which I will again on Saturday,” he said.

“He’s just giving them a bit too much start but if I can correct that, we’ll be good.

“He looks terrific and to my eye, he looks to have improved between runs.

“Saturday is his chance to go better again.”

Robbie Dolan retains the mount on Surreal Step and if the track does become rain-affected, the horse is proven in all types of going.

He is a $16 chance with bookmakers, who have former New Zealander Wewillrock a $3.90 favourite, ahead of Godolphin three-year-old Spacewalk ($4) and At Sea Handicap winner Conscript at $5.50.