Flemington trainer Mathew Ellerton says his gelding Mendivil is a little slow, in more ways than one.

But he hopes the "penny drops" when the three-year-old lines up in the Catanach's Jewellers Handicap (1200m) at Caulfield on Saturday.

Mendivil finished runner-up three times in succession before a spell.

He resumed at Ballarat on November 25, only to run second once again, beaten by Young Fun.

Ellerton is convinced his charge has the potential to turn his decent runs into wins and is content to remain patient.

"He's ultimately got talent and arguably he'd be better placed in a maiden, but we'll give it a try and hopefully he can break through on a Saturday in town," Ellerton said.

"He's a very nice horse, he's just a bit slow in the head.

"You've got to just keep sending them around and hope the penny drops."

Ellerton is not getting his hopes too high this weekend, but believes Mendivil's time will come.

"It's a race with a bit of depth but there just wasn't the absolute suitable maiden for him to run in right now.

"I'm sure he's going to win better races but he's still a bit erratic and a bit slow in the brain."

Ellerton and his business partner Simon Zahra also have mare Kolonga running in the Hyland Race Colours Handicap (1100m) and are hoping a drop back in trip will be more appropriate.

"The 1200 was too far for her last start. She gets a claim on her 59 kilos and 1100 around Caulfield suits her," he said.

"She hasn't won a race since her first start, although she's had a couple of good placings."

Kolonga will jump from barrier 13 but Ellerton says that is unlikely to be an issue.

"She jumps quick so that will offset it," he said.