Cosmic Crusader has firmed to a $3.40 favourite for Saturday’s Group 3 $200,000 Bletchingly Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield after drawing barrier one.

The prized gelding, formerly based in WA under the care of Michael Grantham, was shifted to the Pakenham stables of Andrea Leek in late April.

He has not been seen at the races since finishing a close-up second to Rey Magnerio in last year’s Gold Rush (1400m) at Ascot but recently had a jumpout at Caulfield in which he crossed the line with stakes-performed sprinter Pop Award.

Despite his best form coming at longer distances, as evidenced by his weight-for-age triumph in the Northerly Stakes (1800m) last December, punters feel that Cosmic Crusader can be sharp enough to defeat his better-suited rivals this weekend.

Daniel Stackhouse, who has not ridden in the last two weeks, has been booked to take the steer on the flashy bay.

The five-year-old will be Stackhouse’s only mount at the Caulfield meeting.

Last-start Group 3 Sir John Monash Stakes (1100m) winner Winnasedge ($3.60) is expected to provide a stern challenge to Cosmic Crusaider and will start from barrier five.

Miraval Rose ($5.50), who was fourth and three-quarters of a length behind Winnasedge in the Monash, will start from gate two.

Watchme Win ($6), fifth but only a breath behind in the same race as those horses last time, is rated next best ahead of Zou Sensation ($9).

The race will have further WA flavour with ex-local galloper Aztec Ruler making his reappearance, starting for the first time since February.

Aztec Ruler was sixth and two lengths behind Cosmic Crusader in the Gold Rush before two unplaced runs at Flemington earlier this year.