Cranbourne-based trainer Julius Sandhu will be hoping to notch a city winner on consecutive Saturdays as Sharp Response is likely to line up in the Benchmark 70 Handicap over 1200 metres.

After two-year-old Lofty Strike struck for the stable on debut at Flemington on Saturday at $14 and beating the well-fancied English Riviera, Sandhu shot into Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes contention with a genuine chance rated at $11 with TAB.

More immediately and looking towards this Saturday, stablemate Sharp Response will have the chance to further improve his record of two wins and two placings in five starts.

By Japanese sire Maurice, Sharp Response last ran on 1 January at Flemington behind Clemenceau over 1100 metres with Ethan Brown in the saddle.

Sandhu says that the three-year-old gelding came through that run “super”.

“I’m really, really happy with him,” Sandhu said on RSN.

“He pulled up great from that race and he surprised me.

“The rider, me and a few people were surprised how sharp he was – pardon the pun.

“I’ve given him a nice three week break between runs and h we’ll see how he goes at Moonee Valley, but it is onwards and upwards.”

Sandhu also reported that his promising stayer The Awesome Son has gone out for a spell after placing at Caulfield over 2380 metres on 8 January.

The Awesome Son is slated for a late autumn, early winter return to the track when there is some more give in the ground, Sandhu said.