Nextanix will continue his journey to the Group 1 2012 Metropolitan at Rosehill on Saturday when he starts in the Listed 2012 Premier’s Cup (1800m).

The Kembla Grange-based gelding showed promise during an autumn campaign and picked up where he left off in his first run of the spring two weeks ago when second to Kontiki Park in the Spring Preview Handicap.

In the autumn, the Kerry Parker-trained horse got his first taste in the top grade and showed he was more than capable when fourth to Niwot in the Sydney Cup.

A big spring lies ahead for the five-year-old, with the Metropolitan likely to be followed by a trip to Melbourne where he will possibly start in some of the country’s biggest races.

Where exactly he will be aimed is still to be decided but he has been nominated for both the 2012 Cox Plate and 2012 Caulfield Cup and will also be entered in the 2012 Melbourne Cup.

Parker was pleased with his first-up run and believes that the son of Domesday is in for his best preparation yet.

“He hit the line and ran through the line first-up so I was very happy,” Parker said.

“Last preparation was his first proper, full preparation and he coped with it very well.”

Despite his obvious potential, Nexatnix has been slow developing and so far has only recorded two victories from 22 starts.

This weekend he faces a number of other horses who will be aimed at the Metropolitan including the in-form Stout Hearted.

The former British stayer will start as favourite on Saturday after two dominant wins in Sydney recently.

Other horses included in Saturday’s race include former BMW winner Fiumicino and last year’s Metropolitan winner The Verminator.

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