German import Mawingo has recovered from the virus that saw his spring campaign aborted prematurely and is ready for a first-up charge at the Group 1 CF Orr Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on Saturday.

Mawingo (blue) returns in the CF Orr Stakes on Saturday. Photo by: Daniel Costello.

The five-year-old was considered a genuine Caulfield Cup chance prior to the spring but could only manage a disappointing 11th in the Makybe Diva Stakes and an eighth in the Underwood Stakes before Freedman pulled the pin on his preparation.

Freedman admits Saturday’s CF Orr Stakes may be a touch short for the future stallion prospect but is confident he is on track towards his ultimate goal of the Group 1 Australian Cup (2000m) on March 9.

“The 1400 metres of the Orr might be too short for him, but he is a horse capable of sprinting well fresh,” Freedman said on his website.

“I am looking for an encouraging run from him heading towards the Australian Cup, which is his autumn mission.

“He’s has had a good spell and all indications are that he has recovered from the virus.”

Top jockey Craig Williams will partner Mawingo for the first time when he runs from barrier two on Saturday.

The son of Tertullian debuted on Australian soil last April with a two-length win at Flemington.

Freedman then took him to Queensland for the winter where he announced his ability with a Group 1 win in the Doomben Cup and third-place finishes in both the Group 2 Hollindale Stakes and the Group 2 Brisbane Cup.

Mawingo is a $10 chance in the CF Orr Stakes market with boom colt All Too Hard ($2.40) the favourite ahead of New Zealand veteran King Mufhasa ($4).