Mike Moroney had to abort New Zealand Derby plans with Rhythm To Spare but the gelding can make up for it in another Classic on Saturday.

The three-year-old was originally aimed at the New Zealand Derby in early March but shin soreness put paid to those plans.

The way Rhythm To Spare has thrived in Queensland has his trainer upbeat about his prospects and the horse is set to start one of the favourites in Saturday's Group One Queensland Derby (2400m).

He will be joined in the race by stablemate Ali Vital who booked his place with a win over 2200m at Doomben last week.

Rhythm To Spare followed wins in a provincial race and a midweek event in Victoria with a second to Hawkspur in the Group Three Grand Prix Stakes (2200m) in Brisbane last start.

"He's really blossomed up here in Queensland," Moroney said.

"We planned a long way out to get him here and we've got a few days to go, but things have gone to plan."

Moroney felt Rhythm To Spare might have been "half a run short" when he went into the Grand Prix and expects him to have improved from that second to Hawkspur.

"He got a bit further back than what we anticipated from the draw and had to make a long run into it," he said.

"That just told the last bit."

Dual Queensland Derby-winning jockey Glen Boss retains the ride on Rhythm To Spare while Darren Gauci reunites with Ali Vital having ridden him in five of his six starts.

Rhythm To Spare is at $6 behind Survived ($3.20) and Hawkspur ($4.20) while Ali Vital is at $31.

"Ali Vital is an out and out stayer and the other horse has got a touch more class," Moroney said.

Moroney said Ali Vital would be suited if the race turned into a real staying contest.