Travelling WA galloper Cosmic Crusader is a warm favourite for the Group 1 $1 million Underwood Stakes (1800m) at Caulfield after nominations were confirmed for Saturday’s headline contest.

The six-year-old is a $2.50 fancy to take his first Group 1 on Melbourne soil ahead of a Chris Waller-trained contingent, including Birdman ($4), Lindermann ($4.60), Buckaroo ($5) and Aeliana ($6).

A kind barrier draw could be pivotal to the son of Maurice’s chances with owner Bob Peters anxiously awaiting a good gate.

“He can get away a bit slow, which can be a problem if he doesn’t draw well,” Peters said.

“It’s not the end but it’s still nice to get a position you want.

“The problem is if you jump and kick him out of the gates, he’ll start pulling.”

The gelding has shown the pace to lead on occasions, including Belmont’s TABtouch Stakes one year ago when he bowled along upfront and killed his rivals in an eight-and-a-half-length massacre.

However, in each of his three Victorian outings, he has positioned worse than midfield before running on.

He oozed class in winning the Bletchingly Stakes (1200m) and P B Lawrence Stakes (1400m) at Group 3 and 2 level before contesting the Group 1 Memsie Stakes (1400m) three weeks ago.

That day, he ran home gamely to be third behind tearaway victor Beiwacht, who controlled proceedings from the front.

“I think he could’ve run second with a better run, but I don’t think he would’ve beaten the leader,” Peters said.

“My fear is that if someone tries that again, he could be vulnerable.”

Lindermann looms as an obvious pace angle in the race and one who could stifle the tempo.

He dictated terms in the Group 2 Chelmsford Stakes (1600m) at Randwick a fortnight ago and led them a merry dance.

But in Cosmic Crusader’s favour, a wealth of opportunities for the best horses on the east coast has removed some overall depth from the Underwood and the galloper now gets out to the distance at which he scored last year’s Group 1 Northerly Stakes.

“There are races for them week in, week out, which can thin the races out,” Peters said.

“I’m hoping that the 1600m to 2000m range is his sweet spot.”

He will again be partnered by WA’s William Pike, who Peters considers “part of the team” and has committed to riding the class conveyance.

+ Zac Lloyd will replace Matt Cartwright on New Zealand mare Well Written when she begins her Australian campaign in the Group 1 Epsom Handicap (1600m) at Randwick on October 3.

Connections opted for a local jockey in the $1.5 million race where she will carry 55kg.

She will later contest the $10 million Golden Eagle (1500m) at Randwick on October 31 where she will meet Saturday’s Group 1 Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m) victor Sheza Alibi.