Youbolt’s bid to step up in class at Caulfield on Wednesday is likely to determine whether he remains in Melbourne or returns to Darwin.

The six-year-old has drawn well in the Memorial Christmas Stakes (1200m) and trainer Jarrod McLean hopes he can improve on his last start fourth at Flemington on Dec 15.

McLean had originally lined up Youbolt for next month’s Group Three Standish Handicap (1200m) at Flemington, but the gelding’s last run changed his plan.

“He pulled up well and it was a good honest run,” McLean said.

“I’m not saying it’s any easier at Caulfield but probably around the bend probably suits him a little bit better and from a good draw he should be highly competitive.

“He drew gate six and he’s a horse who can be put anywhere really.

“He’ll begin, hold his spot, travel and we’re confident he will run well.

Youbolt runs at Caulfield after a key victory in the $130,000 Palmerston Sprint in Darwin in August, but McLean acknowledges he faces a stiffer trial this week.

“He’s right up in class. When he won in Darwin that was a big step and a nice test for him,” he said.

“But with his rating now, he’s now got to take the next step, which I think he can.

“He’s a horse who hasn’t let me down yet. Everything I’ve asked from him he’s always come up to the plate.

“He’s extremely honest and a good, genuine racehorse.”

The Darwin heat took a toll so McLean is convinced Youbolt remains less than 100 per cent fit.

“There is still a little bit of improvement to come. Obviously being in Darwin for the winter, when he came back here it was still very cold and it just mucked up his system a little bit,” he said.

“He’s still a little bit wiry in his coat. It’s not affecting his performance but he still just looks to be a couple of weeks away just in his coat and his condition.

McLean said Youbolt was a horse who preferred a firmer track so a return to Darwin is likely unless he can provide a reason to remain in Melbourne.

“He’s no good on soft ground so we’ll just run him over the summer,” McLean said.

“If he won another race between now and May it probably puts Darwin out of the equation but if he doesn’t measure up to this now we’ll definitely be looking at going back there.”