Peter Snowden is hoping the bad luck which plagued Sidestep in two early spring races has been left behind in Sydney.

Runner-up in the Golden Slipper in the autumn, Sidestep chases a Group One win in Saturday's Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) at Flemington having been freshened after his three-run Sydney campaign.

"He had two weeks out at the farm after his last start and the freshen-up has just done him the world of good," Snowden said.

"He looks a million dollars."

The three-year-old hasn't started since his fourth to star colt Zoustar in the Golden Rose (1400m) last month and faces a rematch with the Chris Waller-trained colt on Saturday.

Sidestep's season started with a luckless fourth in the San Domenico Stakes when he had to stop and change course at a crucial stage.

The Run To The Rose is best forgotten with Sidestep last after an incident early in the race which stopped him in his tracks.

Snowden is confident Sidestep has the quality to make his presence felt in the Coolmore (1200m).

"It looks a nice race for him. All we need is some good luck, and no bad luck," Snowden said.

The trainer, who won the Coolmore Stud Stakes with Sepoy two years ago, said Sidestep had been a victim of circumstances earlier in the spring.

The Darley team will also have Safeguard in the Coolmore.

Safeguard won the Vain Stakes first-up before finishing fourth in the Danehill Stakes at Flemington and second in the Blue Sapphire Stakes at Caulfield.

Sidestep got a look at the Flemington straight in an 800m jump-out on Friday which pleased Snowden.

The colt finished a close third to Thump and Happy Galaxy with Zoustar fourth in the four-horse heat.