The Phillip Stokes-trained Sansom (Charm Spirit) will try to complete an unbeaten winter campaign when he runs for the first time as a three-year-old at Flemington. 

Sansom was beaten in his first two starts as a juvenile last summer but since returning from a spell has kept stepping up to put together three-straight wins. 

After two victories on the synthetic track at Pakenham, Sansom went to metropolitan grade and dominated a late-season 1300m handicap for two-year-olds at Sandown on a heavy track late last month, winning by 1-3/4 lengths. 

Stokes had gone into the Sandown race thinking he would send the gelding for a break afterwards, but changed his mind following the victory and has pressed on to Saturday’s VRC Member Helen Saffin Handicap (1400m) for three-year-olds. 

“There was no reason to put him out. He pulled up well and he’s sound,” Stokes said. 

“He’s been going through his grades nicely. “He goes to the 1400-metre benchmark 70. He’s got his share of weight, and then he will have a little break. “But he’s a really nice horse.” 

Sansom has 60.5kg and has to give weight to all his rivals who include Heirborn (Charm Spirit) who won a maiden at Bendigo on debut for the Anthony Freedman stable. 

Heirborn is the $3.70 favourite on Friday ahead of Maozi ($4.20), Conqueror ($5.50) and Sansom ($7). 

Stokes could look to a late spring campaign for Sansom. “He doesn’t have to go out for a long time,” he said.