Trainer Peter Moody has put Brereton on notice ahead of his upcoming outing at Caulfield.

Moody had the option of starting Brereton in the Group 3 Bletchingly Stakes (1200m) on Saturday but has instead elected to start the colt in Stow Storage Solutions Handicap (1200m).

Brereton is back in Melbourne after two runs in Brisbane where he performed below expectations.

His most recent performance in Brisbane was finishing last in the Group 3 WJ Healy Stakes (1200m) last month in which he was ridden by Celine Gaudray.

“He needs to go back and win one and that’s why I’ve dropped him back in grade,” Moody said.

“He probably wants 1400 metres, but I gave him an easy week after his last run in Queensland where he just did not partake at all for the little girl on him.

“He needs to bounce back and put his hand up and he might be racing for his manhood as well.”

Moody said there was two options for Brereton if he disappoints again on Saturday.

One would be undergoing a gelding operation or the other is to move him on to a new home.

Brereton stamped his potential as a two-year-old when successful in the Group 3 Maribyrnong Plate (1000m) in November 2021 at his second career start, but in nine starts since he has posted just one placing, a third-place finish in the Group 2 Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m) at Eagle Farm last year.

Moody said Brereton had returned from his Brisbane sojourn in excellent order.

“They all come back from Queensland in great order and he’s no exception,” Moody said.

“He’s got a great coat on him.

“But it’s time for him to stand and deliver and there’s no excuses for him on Saturday.

“He’s drawn a little wide which I don’t think will worry him with that one turn at Caulfield.”