Trainer David Payne will have two chances in Saturday's Group One Spring Champion Stakes, one of the favourites and one not so popular.

But Payne thinks both Rock Hero ($6) and Criterion ($26) both have claims as they step up to 2000 metres for the first time.

Although Criterion showed his sprinting prowess with his wins over 1200 metres in the Black Opal and Todman Stakes as a two-year-old, his trainer says the further the better.

"Criterion will run 2000 metres, no problems," Payne said.

"I think they will both be in the money.

"Rock Hero has pulled up extremely well and is in good order."

Rock Hero announced himself a genuine contender with his win in the Dulcify Quality on Saturday when he made up many lengths after making a mess of the start.

Criterion's lead-up was his close second to Eurozone in the Stan Fox Stakes (1500m) last Saturday week.

Savvy Nature is the $3.50 favourite despite his second to Complacent ($4.60) in the Gloaming Stakes.

The John O'Shea-trained gelding is part-owned by Max Whitby who raced his sire Savabeel, winner of the 2004 Spring Champion and that year's Cox Plate.

Drago is on the fourth line of betting at $8 with trainer Anthony Cummings expecting him to improve on his third in the Gloaming while he will decide after Tuesday's trackwork whether Thunder Fantasy runs after his fifth in the Dulcify.

Long-time Cummings client Julia Ritchie is the major owner in Drago and combined with the trainer to win the 2005 Spring Champion with Hotel Grand.

The Spring Champion Stakes will be Jim Cassidy's chance to snare his 100th Group One victory with the champion jockey to ride Savvy Nature.