The trio, which could be the backbone of Bowman's spring, all start their campaigns at the weekend. Bowman believes their first-up runs will lay down a marker for the big carnivals ahead.

"It is one of those days where I will know a lot more about them on Sunday," Bowman said. "These kind of races is about seeing how they have come back.

"It is hard to assess them before Saturday because they are looking towards races in two or three starts to be at their best.

"The good thing for me is that all handle the wet, but they will all be improved by the run. I'll be interested to see how they come back and make assessment after the races rather than before."

In a spring that lacks a standout, Criterion and Lucia Valentina – both three-year-old group 1 winners looking to step up against the older horses – could be set to become stars as four-year-olds. Criterion won the Rosehill Guineas and Australian Derby on rain-effected tracks in the autumn, which he will find again in the Warwick Stakes on Saturday.

Vinery Stakes winner Lucia Valentina resumes in the Toy Show Quality in a spring campaign that could include a tilt at the Caulfield Cup.

"They are both group 1 winners as three-year-olds but they have to step up now," Bowman said. "We know that both of them will be better as the trips get longer, but at this time they are chances. It is what makes this time of year exciting for everyone.

"I have only galloped Criterion that once between races and I haven't been on Lucia Valentina, so I'm looking forward to see what they can do on Saturday."

Terravista was the early favourite for the Show County Quality after a couple of placings in barrier trials.

"I was on him in that [second] trial and he felt very good," Bowman said. "He is in a suitable race and should run well. He is the type of horse that has the potential to come through in the next month or so, but we have to wait and see what level he gets too."