The enigmatic Phelan Ready is back on track to tackle late winter carnival races after passing a barrier test.

Trainer Jason McLachlan has nominated Phelan Ready for both the Eye Liner Stakes (1350m) at Ipswich on Saturday and the W J Healy Stakes (1200m) at Eagle Farm a week later.

Phelan Ready is famous for winning the 2009 Magic Millions Classic-Golden Slipper double – and infamous for not winning in the 62 months since.

McLachlan was hoping for a change of fortune when Phelan Ready won a barrier trial at Caloundra by five lengths last month.

However, things went awry when Phelan Ready refused to be loaded into the barriers before the running of the QTC Cup two weeks ago.

Stewards promptly banned Phelan Ready until he passed a barrier test.

Phelan Ready regained his race ticket when he won a Deagon trial by four lengths in the fastest time of the morning last Thursday.

McLachlan said while he didn’t beat a high standard field, he ran his final 600m in 33 seconds.

“It was good work and he really has impressed me since he came back in,” McLachlan said.

“What he got into his mind when he wouldn’t go in the barriers, who knows. He has never done it before in 46 starts.”

After being burdened with top weights for most of his career, Phelan Ready has 56kg in the Eye Liner, 3kg less than Alma’s Fury.

McLachlan pointed out that while the majority of Phelan Ready’s $3.6 million prize money had come from his Magic Millions and Golden Slipper wins, the gelding had earned more than $500,000 in minor placings.

“I reckon a few owners would be happy with that,” McLachlan said.

Phelan Ready’s stablemate Facile Tigre is also in line for some open company races after his eye-catching run in the Lightning Hcp (1000m) at Eagle Farm on Saturday.

Facile Tigre was first-up and came from a clear last on the home turn to be sixth, beaten two lengths behind star galloper Cape Kidnappers.