Talented sprinter Mic Mac will be given the chance to break through for a Group One win in two countries this preparation.The five-year-old makes his spring return in Saturday's Group Two Schillaci Stakes (1000m) at Caulfield with trainer Paul Messara having a longer-range plan to target both the Group One Railway Stakes and Group One Telegraph Handicap in New Zealand in January.Before that the multiple stakeswinner and Group One placegetter will have three starts during the Melbourne spring, in

Talented sprinter Mic Mac will be given the chance to break through for a Group One win in two countries this preparation.

The five-year-old makes his spring return in Saturday's Group Two Schillaci Stakes (1000m) at Caulfield with trainer Paul Messara having a longer-range plan to target both the Group One Railway Stakes and Group One Telegraph Handicap in New Zealand in January.

Before that the multiple stakeswinner and Group One placegetter will have three starts during the Melbourne spring, including the Group One Patinack Farm Classic (1200m) at Flemington on November 6.

"Then it's eight weeks between that and the first race in New Zealand (Railway), so we can back off a little and then head over there," Messara said.

It's the first time Messara has had the son of Statue Of Liberty from the outset of a preparation after the gelding was transferred to him from the stables of Greg Eurell mid-campaign last time in work.

He hasn't started since going down by a short half-head and a long head when third to Black Piranha and Melito in the Group One Stradbroke Handicap (1400m) in June.

Messara said he had learned a bit about Mic Mac in recent weeks to the point where he delayed his spring kick-off by a week.

"He actually takes a bit more work than I first would have thought," the trainer said.

"It just took a bit longer hence a slightly later start to his campaign. But he's ready to go now and I'm very happy with him, let's hope he races back to his best again this preparation."

Mic Mac has won two from three first-up including the Aurie's Star (1200m) in Melbourne, but he's never raced over 1000m in his 17-start career.

Messara has given the sprinter two trials to ready him for the Schillaci with his most recent effort a narrow win over 900m last week, finishing just in front of Melito.

"I think he'll still take improvement out of the run on Saturday but I'm pleased with the way he's going into it and he's nice and fresh," Messara said.

"It's only 1000 metres so we want him bouncing."

The Schillaci also signals the return of the unbeaten Black Caviar who hasn't raced since her dominant win in the Group Two Australia Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley in January.

Messara is expecting his charge to turn in an encouraging run fresh but acknowledged the Peter Moody-trained mare as the favourite.

"I think if she turns up then she's the one to beat," he said.