The staying credentials of Absent Friends go on the line in Saturday's Kingston Town Stakes with the Rosehill race to determine his path this spring.The five-year-old has not won beyond 1600 metres but trainer Gary Portelli is confident he is now mature enough to handle the 2000 of the Kingston Town and beyond.If he can do it as easily as Portelli hopes, the options open up with the Group One Metropolitan his target and, if that goes well, the Melbourne Cup is the dream."We need to find out whet

The staying credentials of Absent Friends go on the line in Saturday's Kingston Town Stakes with the Rosehill race to determine his path this spring.

The five-year-old has not won beyond 1600 metres but trainer Gary Portelli is confident he is now mature enough to handle the 2000 of the Kingston Town and beyond.

If he can do it as easily as Portelli hopes, the options open up with the Group One Metropolitan his target and, if that goes well, the Melbourne Cup is the dream.

"We need to find out whether he's a real stayer and this race will tell us," Portelli said.

"We are looking to qualify him for the Metropolitan Handicap and then who knows.

"I've never had a Melbourne Cup runner and I'm hoping he can be the one.

"He's by Dehere and people say that makes him a question mark to get over a distance but he gives me the impression he will and everyone who rides him says he is a stayer.

"He hasn't had a lot of luck when we've stepped him up before and a firmer track should also help."

Absent Friends had a torrid time in the Premier's Cup (2200m) at Doomben in May which ended his Brisbane Cup hopes.

Portelli gave him two barrier trials in preparation for his return over 1500 metres on August 29 where he was unlucky early before storming home to win.

Apprentice Nathan Berry has retained the ride although he will not be able to use his claim in the Group Three race.

"Geoff Grimish is a great owner and very loyal," Portelli said.

"He wants to stick with Nathan even though he can't use his claim."

Absent Friends' opposition will include Brisbane Cup runner-up Ready To Lift who finished 10th in the Premier's Cup (1800m) on August 29 won by Emperor Bonaparte who is also in the Kingston Town.

Portelli will accept with Zarock in the Research Stakes but will wait to see the make-up of the final field before he decides whether the mare runs.

"It's a very strong race and I hope Hot Danish drops out," he said.

"With a horse like her there it might be too tough for Zarock and we can look for something easier."