Melbourne Cup-winning trainer Mike Moroney is known for not getting ahead of himself so when he says Metson is one of the better horses in his stable it is worth taking notice.
Metson confirmed the promise he had shown Moroney at home with a comfortable 4-1/4 length debut victory over 1300m at Cranbourne on August 27 and Moroney will test the son of Canford Cliffs in Saturday's Listed Exford Plate over 1400m at Flemington.
"He showed us plenty of natural ability from day one but he pleasantly surprised us at Cranbourne as he was so professional," Moroney said.
"He'd only had two jumpouts in his life going into the race but he did everything right on the day. It was a heavy track as well and he coped with that no problem."
"He's a natural galloper and the ease of the win didn't surprise without wanting to sound too cocky."
Metson prepared for Saturday's race galloping with the older Tribal Wisdom, a Listed winner last season, on the steeple grass Tuesday and pleased his trainer.
"His work on Tuesday was what we wanted to see and he comes into the race in good form," Moroney said.
"Obviously there's the likes of Royal Symphony to beat so it's going to be a proper test.
"He hasn't got the match practice of most of the opposition but he's there on merit and is still on the up."
Metson is nominated for the Caulfield Guineas and while Moroney is aware he is throwing the gelding in at the deep end on Saturday, is anticipating a forward showing.
"He's come on for the win but still got a lot of improvement in him. We think he's probably our best three-year-old and we'll find out a bit more on Saturday." Moroney said.
Patrick Moloney will be aboard Metson again, best priced at $31 with Centrebet.
