New Zealand trainer Murray Baker has chosen to run Victoria Derby favourite It's A Dundeel at Moonee Valley on Saturday despite some serious misgivings.

The undefeated colt will have his Derby lead-up in the Group Two Mitchelton Wines Vase (2040m) to give him experience of racing in the Melbourne direction before the Derby.

Running on Saturday means It's A Dundeel will back-up seven days later at Flemington, the shortest gap between runs he's had in his five-start career.

Baker said he was also taking a chance the colt will cope with having six runs in his current preparation by the time he gets to the Derby.

"You've only got so many bullets," Baker said.

"But in the end I feel he needs the experience left-handed and he'll get that on Saturday."

Baker knows what is required to win the Derby having taken out the Flemington blue riband in 2010 with the ill-fated Lion Tamer.

He said another consideration had been It's A Dundeel's tendency to put on condition since he came to Melbourne.

"He should handle another run, especially since he's done so well since coming here," he said.

"Colts can do that with a change of environment."

It's A Dundeel had a comfortable gallop at Moonee Valley on Tuesday with his race rider James McDonald up.

"He just ran up a couple of furlongs, nothing too strenuous," Baker said.

"But I'm very happy with him."