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John McArdle is happy to take a patient approach with the summer campaigns of Hydro Star and Drone Strike, who could both be scratched from Caulfield on Saturday.
The talented 3YO feature in the final field for the Erin Coldham Handicap (1100m) but their Mornington trainer said neither were certainties to race first-up.
There is an option for Drone Strike to be saved for a race down the straight at Flemington next week, while Hydro Star could be given another jumpout at Sandown on January 12 before kicking off his campaign later in the month.
Hydro Star burst onto the scene with a brilliant debut win at Sandown in July before pulling up shin sore when unplaced in the Gr.3 Vain Stakes (1100m).
McArdle said the son of Headwater had returned to his stables in good order and, while he still displays signs of immaturity, connections remain bullish that he can furnish into an elite level galloper.
After failing to fire in two runs during the early spring, Drone Strike has pleased McArdle with her recent work on the training track.