Less than two years ago Outback Joe was rated 53 and coming last Albury.

Wind the clock forward and he’s just won a listed race at Flemington and is now eyeing a start in the 3200 metre Adelaide or Sydney Cups with his rating soaring to 93.

The six-year-old, who is out of Melbourne and Caulfield Cup winner Let’s Elope, is starting to reach his potential since his first race 12 months ago for new trainer Nigel Blackiston.

“He’s been terrific – when I first got him I didn’t know what to expect,” said Blackiston.

After winning the Bagot Handicap (2800m) at Flemington on New Year’s Day, Outback Joe lines up at Caulfield on Saturday in the Tile Importer Handicap (2400m) in the face of some stiff opposition, including the Chris Waller-trained pair Thubiaan and Instrumentalist.

Blackiston said the owners have been patient and given him time to get Outback Joe competitive.

“He’s a mature horse now and sound, and he’s gone forward with every stride,” said Blackiston.

“I can’t wait to get him to two miles and the plan is to aim for the Adelaide or Sydney cups with him.

“He’ll run on Saturday and then have a let-up in preparation for either one of those two mile races.”

There was a lot of praise for the way Irish apprentice Oisin Murphy rode Outback Joe to victory last start and the 18-year-old has retained the ride.

“The only query is possibly coming back in distance and being at Caulfield – if it was at Flemington I’d be a lot happier,” said Blackiston.

Blackiston had nominated Outback Joe for the $100,000 Listed Australia Day Cup in Sydney but elected to stay at home because the prizemoney on offer was not much more than the $80,000 at Caulfield.