Racing fans have been eagerly anticipating a rematch between the New Zealand and Australian 3yr-olds following their epic home-straight duel in the CS Hayes Stakes a fortnight ago.
Lane rode Catalyst for Te Awamutu trainer Clayton Chipperfield in his final serious gallop in preparation for his quest to turn the tables on Alligator Blood in the 1600m feature.
The Cox Plate-winning rider also rode Catalyst in work prior to his Australian debut, but suspension ruled him out of the race-day ride.
Catalyst impressed Lane, who said he had improved in condition following his CS Hayes Stakes outing.
"He got a little bit keen early now that he knows where he’s going but he settled good through the middle stages and finished it off well," Lane told AAP
"It’s going to be a cracking edition of the race.
"The 1600m is going to suit as will having that run under the belt."
Chipperfield was pleased Lane was able to notice the improvement in Catalyst since his run two weeks ago.
"To get [Lane] back on . . . and compare the two gallops, it was much appreciated."
Chipperfield said he knew Catalyst would have needed the run going into the Hayes Stakes and the Australian Guineas was "the one we wanted him peaking for".
Catalyst put Australian racing fans on notice that he was a serious group-1 horse with his narrow defeat to Alligator Blood.
"To be put in a dogfight like that and not lie down — he answered all our questions whether he would be competitive over here," Chipperfield said.
Catalyst has been aided by the weather at his temporary home in Mornington not reaching the highs Victoria produced earlier this summer.
Chipperfield said it was something he was highly concerned about before his horse crossed the Tasman.
"I was starting to stress a little bit.
"I thought, ‘How’s he going to cop that?’ but the hottest day we’ve had is 30 degrees [Celcius] with a bit of breeze.
"It didn’t feel that hot and he’s handled it well."
Chipperfield was eagerly awaiting the clash.
"[Alligator Blood] is a warrior that horse and one we have to try and beat, but this time we match him at level weights and meet him at the mile.
"I think the advantage is in our hands this time."
Alligator Blood carried 57.5kg when beating Catalyst, who was carrying 58.5kg, by a nose two weeks ago.
Alligator Blood started from barrier 1 in the CS Hayes Stakes, five spots inside his New Zealand rival.
Both 3yr-olds will carry 56.5kg today under the set-weights conditions of the Australian Guineas.
Alligator Blood has again drawn inside his opponent in barrier 2 for rider Ryan Maloney.
Catalyst will start from gate 4.
