The Golden Rose is an early spring option for unbeaten Long John but a first-up win on Saturday won't guarantee a place in the Group One race.

Long John makes his season return in the Listed McKenzie Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley in what is expected to prove his biggest test after winning three from three last season.

The Peter Snowden-trained gelding, who is also nominated for the Caulfield Guineas, hasn't started since winning the Listed Anzac Day Stakes (1410m).

Paul Snowden, stable foreman in Melbourne for his father, said the Golden Rose was one of a few options for Long John but a lot would also depend on stablemate Sidestep who is being aimed that way.

Sidestep, the Golden Slipper runner-up, is set to run next in the Run To The Rose on Saturday week before the Golden Rose on September 14.

"Sidestep will probably determine where these others go," Snowden said.

"They are probably not going to want to clash with him (Sidestep) if he's the number one seed for a Golden Rose."

Long John was taken to Moonee Valley to familarise himself with the circuit on Tuesday.

Snowden was pleased with his hit-out and believes he'll benefit from that experience.

"He's a talented horse, he's three from three, and any horse that does that is pretty good," Snowden said.

"I think he can get to the next level and he's certainly grown into a lovely big strong horse. So all signs are good at the moment."

The McKenzie Stakes has attracted a field of nine with Long John, to be ridden by Steven Arnold, drawing on the outside with New Zealand colt Cauthen in barrier four with James McDonald to ride.

Cauthen, a luckless second at Moonee Valley to Clevadude three weeks ago, has been installed $2.60 favourite ahead of Long John ($3.80) and Clevadude ($6.50).

The other stakes race on the program is the Listed Carlyon Stakes (1000m) which features the return of last year's Thousand Guineas winner Commanding Jewel in a field of 11.