From the day Kings Palace was born there was a hope he could develop into a Derby horse.

The gelding, a last-start city winner, is set to be given his chance in the South Australian Derby in three weeks but first he'll try to take out the Listed Galilee Series Final (2500m) at Flemington on Saturday.

Trained by Rod Symons at Bendigo, Kings Palace made the step to Saturday company and scored his first city win over 2000m at Caulfield two weeks ago, bringing the SA Derby more into focus.

But being out of 1997 VRC Oaks winner Kensington Palace, Derby dreams were there from the start.

"When he was born the owner rang and said `book your suit for the Derby'," Symons recalled.

Kings Palace has his first test over 2500m on Saturday and Symons believes he'll be competitive again with champion jockey Glen Boss aboard.

"He doesn't like firm ground so I was hoping there would be a bit more rain, but he's in good fettle," Symons said.

"He's got a good barrier and I would expect the extra distance won't hurt at all. I think he'll be very competitive."

Kings Palace sits on the second line of betting behind New Zealand St Leger winner Serpent.

Shoreham, who finished second to Kings Palace last start, is on the third line of betting.