Owen Burrows is of the opinion only time will tell if leading Qipco 2000 Guineas contender Massaat has improved enough to bridge the gap with ante-post favourite Air Force Blue.
Although reporting the son of Teofilo to have strengthened up over the winter, the Lambourn handler is more hopeful than confident that he can mount a serious threat to the Aidan O'Brien-trained colt in the mile colts' Classic at Newmarket on April 30.
After breaking his maiden at Leicester on his second start, the Hamdan Al Maktoum-owned colt found only Air Force Blue too good for him on his final outing - and first at Group One level - in the Dewhurst Stakes in October.
Burrows said: "I am very pleased with him. Physically he looks like he has done very well and he is cantering away at the minute. He has wintered well and we are happy with him.
"I think he can improve from his Dewhurst run, whether or not he will improve enough to beat Air Force Blue, only time will tell as he has got quite a bit to find.
"They will also be thinking they have improved from two to three. He (Massaat) most certainly has. With a bit more experience and another winter on his back, he has strengthened up."
Although the 2000 Guineas remains the primary aim for Massaat, he seems likely to be given a prep race before competing in the Group One prize, while racing beyond a mile is something that may also be considered in the future.
Burrows said: "I would have thought we would probably give him a prep run in a Classic trial and see where we are, as he is quite a big horse that didn't have a lot of experience last year.
"Obviously a decision where that would be would be made closer to the time.
"I think he would get further. Even though he is out of quite a fast mare (Madany), he looks like he would get 10 furlongs at least as he has got the right attitude and temperament - he relaxes in his races."
One name that will not be included in Burrows' team for 2016 is Listed-winning mare Fadhayyil, fifth in last year's Qipco 1000 Guineas and runner-up in the Jersey Stakes, as she has been retired to stud.
Burrows said: "Fadhayyil has been sent to stud. She was a smart filly and was probably unlucky to only win at Listed level.
"It is a shame as I wouldn't have mind training her as a four-year-old, but it's the owner's policy."