John Ralph says he'll know if he's over the problems with Keep The Message 200m off the winning post in tomorrow's $50,000 Wanganui Guineas.
Ralph has had two issues with the talented 3-year-old since he returned from a fruitless one-race Sydney campaign in August.
Keep The Message finished last, fivelengths from the winner Mentality at Rosehill on August 19 after an impressive run of form in New Zealand.
"His feet haven't been 100 per cent," said Ralph.
"The blacksmith said the Sydney farrier has cut his feet back too fine, but I'm not a farrier so I can't comment.
"Anyway, we seem to be getting over that one."
Ralph had Keep The Message scoped on his return.
"They found a bug in his lungs which they feel he picked up on the flight over or on the way home."
Ralph's vet pulled blood from Keep The Message midweek and the blood picture was perfect.
"I think we're okay, but this race will tell us for sure."
One thing that will help is a softish track. "With the problems he's had with his feet, a comfortable surface will be ideal."
Keep The Message looked outstanding when easily winning the $40,000 Stoney Bridge Ryder Stakes before leaving for Sydney.
He raced back, looped the field as the widest runner on the home bend and raced clear.
Jim Collett, who rode him that day and followed him to Sydney, again has the mount.
Ralph trains only a tiny team and recently made the decision to retire underrated mare Sadie Belle. He said it is likely she will be mated with Keep The Message's sire, Keeper.
The Autridge/Rogerson-trained Alberto has been beaten only once in four visits to the races and is the TAB's fixed odds favourite.
He has won each of his races narrowly and has shown plenty of fight.
Alberto carried 58kg in both his last two wins and drops to level weights this time.
Southern filly Italia showed she was ready for this race when she won a recent Rangiora barrier trial.
She was one of the best juveniles of the old season and is an ideal runner fresh from a spell.
Wanganui Gns, $50,000, 3yo, 1320m (run at Wanganui tomorrow):
$2.70 Alberto; $3.50 Keep The Message; $7 Figueres; $7.50 Star Of Nero; $12 Sitting On A Hill; $14 Our Royal Eclipse; $18 Bellamour; $20 Casual, Mels Bad Boy; $22 Johnnie The Sand.
