Hay List has taken another step towards an autumn comeback with a testing gallop between races at Gosford on Sunday.

The giant sprinter, rated the second best in the world behind Black Caviar, worked alongside stablemate Australian Star with the pair doing the business part of the workout in the back straight.

Ever-cautious about the injury-prone Hay List, trainer John McNair said he did not want to risk the horse pulling up on the crossing and so elected to test him on the far side of the course.

It was a much more solid hit-out under Glyn Schofield than the leisurely solo canter Hay List had at Wyong 10 days ago.

"His action's great. His fitness is pretty good and he's really happy to do it," Schofield told Sky Racing.

"He had the bit between his teeth today when he got up alongsides (Australian Star) and he really wanted to get rolling.

"It's a fantastic sign.

"If anything he's a bit keener than he ever was to get going. I was mindful not to go too quick because he obviously hasn't done too much but he's made tremendous improvement."

Hay List has a history of leg and feet problems, suffering his latest injury when he slipped as he tried to stand up after undergoing emergency surgery for colic last April.

They were the latest in a series of incidents that have plagued the seven-year-old throughout a career which has also featured three Group One wins including last year's Newmarket Handicap.

His Newmarket victory carrying 58.5kg earned him an international rating of 125.

McNair has nominated a barrier trial on January 26 at Warwick Farm as a serious indicator for how Hay List is going with the Challenge Stakes at the same track on March 16 a first-up goal.