With two wins and two placings already on the board in six starts, Nation State will take on his toughest challenge yet in the Listed HC Nitschke Stakes (1400m) on the Morphettville Parks track.
And after drawing barrier 12 on the tighter inside course, trainer John Moloney is open-minded about the gelding's chances.
"He didn't draw so flash but he's not a bad beginner, Moloney said.
"I'm expecting that because he leaves the gates well, he should be OK, and on the Morphettville Parks track it is a bit tricky."
Firming from $9 into $7.50, Nation State is on the fourth line of betting behind $4 race favourite Miss Aria, trained by Danny O'Brien.
The difference could be in jockey Todd Pannell's experience.
A midweek chat between trainer and jockey firms Moloney's want to send Nation State over the South Australian border.
"He ran third at Caulfield against the open-graders and was only beaten by a half-length so he is coming along well," Moloney said.
"He'll keep maturing and a road trip won't hurt him to make him a better horse."
