Trainer Peter Gelagotis readily acknowledges the recent efforts of the former Lloyd Williams-owned galloper Module are unflattering.

But the trainer who has just come through the best spring carnival of his career also believes the horse is on the verge of finding form.

"We're running on Saturday because I think he can fire up," Gelagotis sid.

"He's been below par this time in but there's been some problems and some excuses."

Module runs in the Bitalli Handicap (2550m) at Flemington on Saturday, a race Gelagotis is hoping will lead to a start in the Listed Bagot Handicap (2800m) at the same track on New Year's Day.

Gelagotis said Module had developed some issues with his feet that flared up when he ran at Flemington last month.

"We tried some new shoes on him and he took a little while to get used to them, he said.

"Then he ran well in the Ballarat Cup and we thought he was OK but then he was found wanting at Caulfield last start.

"But we've worked on him and he's shown some positive signs.

"If he runs as well as I think he will, we'll know we're on target for the Bagot."

One horse who isn't creating any doubt in the Gelagotis camp is the promising young stayer Hvasstan.

The Norman Robinson Stakes winner who also ran fourth in the Victoria Derby, returned from his spell earlier this month to be prepared for what is likely to be a brief autumn campaign.

"He put on about 40 kilos while he was out of work, so he's a lot bigger and stronger," Gelagotis siad.

Gelagotis said he was conscious of not asking the horse to do too much so soon after a spring campaign in which he went from winning maiden to taking out a Group Three event.

"There's plenty that don't come back from a tough preparation at that age," he said.

"I don't want to rush him so I'm inclined to give him a short program in the autumn and have him ready for a big spring."