GERMAN trainer Andreas Wohler's only concern about Protectionist centres around what type of track he may encounter at Caulfield when he contests the Herbert Power Stakes on Saturday, reports Racing Network.
Wohler, making his first trip back to Melbourne since Paolini ran in the 2004 Cox Plate, said he's pleased with how his Melbourne Cup contender has acclimatised since he arrived 12 days ago.
But, Wohler noted if the Caulfield track is "not rock hard it will be fine. Hopefully, it is not rock hard.
"Hopefully, they will look after the track, it is a big day, hopefully it should be alright."
Protectionist, a winner of the Group 2 Prix Kergorlay at Deauville in mid August, will carry top weight of 59kg in the Group 2 race.
The five-year-old will give 2.5kg to the next highest weighted horse - Sangster - with the other internationals to run in the race - Lord Van Percy to carry 54.5 kg with Renew on the minimum of 53kg.
Wohler said Protectionist continues to please him at the Werribee quarantine centre.
"He travelled really and settled in really well. I can't complain, I'm very happy with the horse," Wohler said.
Asked his expectations in Saturday's Herbert Power, Wohler replied: "To run a good race, hopefully he wins.
"It's hard for me to compare against the other horses. If he does what I think he should run really well."
Wohler said the thinking behind running Protectionist in the Herbert Power not the Caulfield Cup is the extra week break between the race and his main goal the Melbourne Cup.