Barry Baldwin continues to be amazed by late bloomer Rightson but won’t be lured interstate for the Group Two Villiers Stakes even if the eight-year-old wins the Listed Recognition Stakes at Eagle Farm on Saturday.

“I had a look at his legs this week and they’re fine so he’ll be going around again,” Baldwin said.

Rightson led all the way at his 17th start this campaign for a decisive win in the Listed Brisbane Handicap (1600m) at Eagle Farm two weeks ago which tempted Baldwin to look at next month’s Villiers Stakes over the same distance at Randwick.

“If he continues the way he’s been going there’s plenty of races for him in Brisbane,” Baldwin said.

“I had a look at the calendar and the (Listed) Bernborough Handicap at Doomben on Boxing Day is worth more than the Villiers.

“We took him away for the Rockhampton Cup earlier in his campaign and he ran a shocker so maybe he doesn’t like travelling anyway.”

Baldwin has repeated a successful formula to keep Rightson mentally fresh for his 52nd race start.

“I’ve done the same with him as before he won the Brisbane Handicap,” Baldwin said.

“I put him in a quiet paddock away from the other horses in my stable.

“I used to do the same thing with another old horse, Rum Dum, who was very moody but we managed to win a Group Three with him.”

Baldwin has retained Brad Stewart who has a 100 per cent record from two rides aboard Rightson.

Baldwin warned that Rightson doesn’t have to lead to record his 11th career win.

“I won’t be tying Brad down to any specific instructions,” Baldwin said.

“He’s got a perfect record on him and he doesn’t have to lead like he has at his last two starts.

“Listen Son has a lot of pace and could test him in front so I’ll leave it to Brad to decide how best to ride him.”

Baldwin rates Listen Son as Rightson’s main threat.

“Listen Son looks to be the up-and-coming horse against us and he’s got some speed,” he said.

Listen Son is unbeaten this campaign with two wins over 1200 metres and 1400 metres in Class Six company and will be stepping up to 1600 metres for the first time since resuming last month.

Unlike Rightson, the four-year-old will book a trip to Sydney for the Villiers if he finishes in the first three.