Chris Waller's four-pronged assault on Saturday's Group One Metropolitan could be railroaded by a former employee.

David Vandyke, trainer of second favourite Lamasery, will be out to upstage his friend and former boss in the 2400m staying feature.

Vandyke trained several years ago but gave it away to pursue other interests.

During his hiatus he spent time with Waller in an administrative role and even lived with the premier trainer and his wife Stephanie for a time.

Vandyke admits he may have picked up a few training tips along the way.

"I lived with Chris and was his office manager," Vandyke said.

"We've been very close over the years and I suppose some of Chris' training has rubbed off on me."

Vandyke returned to training a couple of years ago and Lamasery was one of the first horses in his stable.

At the corresponding Randwick meeting last year the gelding finished third in the Metropolitan to the Waller-trained The Verminator.

At the time, Lamasery was one of just two horses Vandyke had in work.

Fast forward 12 months and the Warwick Farm trainer has kicked a few goals.

"I only had a small team. I had four horses this time last year and only two of them were in work," Vandyke said.

"I've gone from two to 22."

But his journey hasn't been without incident.

Lamasery was found to have serious arthritic changes in his fetlock joints after his Melbourne spring campaign last year.

He was rested for six months and missed the autumn but all the signs since his return have been positive.

After strong performances in the Warwick and Chelmsford Stakes at his first two runs back, Lamasery staked his Metropolitan claims with victory in the Hill Stakes last start.

Vandyke believes he is a more complete horse this time around.

"I think he's had a better preparation than last year when he was an unlucky third," he said.

"I would have expected him to be fairly mature at five, which he was last year, but I've got to say he's a bigger horse this year and more mature."

Lamasery is being shaded for favouritism by the Gai Waterhouse-trained Glencadam Gold.

Waller has the next three in betting with Stout Hearted and Kelinni at $7 and Permit at $9.