Champion jockey Damien Oliver will stick with Eclipse Stakes winner Eskimo Dan in a bid to win his first Listed Bagot Handicap at Flemington.Oliver had his first ride on Eskimo Dan last start when he was beaten 2-1/2 lengths finishing second to Game Serena over 2000 metres at Flemington on December 20.It was Eskimo Dan's first run since winning the Eclipse (2100m) at Caulfield on November 22 and the Bagot over 2800 metres will be only his second appearance in just under six weeks.Richard Laming,

Champion jockey Damien Oliver will stick with Eclipse Stakes winner Eskimo Dan in a bid to win his first Listed Bagot Handicap at Flemington.

Oliver had his first ride on Eskimo Dan last start when he was beaten 2-1/2 lengths finishing second to Game Serena over 2000 metres at Flemington on December 20.

It was Eskimo Dan's first run since winning the Eclipse (2100m) at Caulfield on November 22 and the Bagot over 2800 metres will be only his second appearance in just under six weeks.

Richard Laming, who co-trains with his father Bevan, said Eskimo Dan thrived on a light racing program.

"He is a very clean-winded horse and having a gap between runs doesn't worry him," Laming said.

Eskimo Dan came off a four-week break to finish third to Instructor and Sunday Adieu at Sandown and backed up a week later to beat Instructor in a photo finish in the Eclipse.

The Danasinga six-year-old has 57.5kg in the Bagot is one of only three horses in the 28 nominations not on the minimum weight.

The final field will be declared on Tuesday but Laming said the apparent weakness of the race gave Eskimo Dan his chance to win for the first time beyond 2220 metres.

"It doesn't look strong and his work has been good," Laming said.

"We think he should be hard to beat again."

Eskimo Dan has won eight of his 31 starts but whether his summer campaign is extended will be decided after the Bagot.

The Hobart Cup (2200m) on February 9 remains an option but the Sydney Cup (3200m) in April is also under consideration.

"Win, lose or draw he will a have a few days off then we will decide which way we go with him," Laming said.

Ballarat Cup winner Daka's Gem heads the Bagot weights with 58kg while the Peter Moody-trained Sunday Adieu, with 55kg, is the only other horse not on the 54kg minimum.

Peter Mertens is listed to ride the David Brideoake-trained Daka's Gem.

Mertens has twice won the Bagot on Western Outlaw in 2000 and on the Moody-trained Reggie in 2007.