Black Saturday survivor British General will be vying for a start in the $1 million Emirates Stakes when he lines up at Flemington on Saturday.

The six-year-old, who escaped the fires that ravaged Victoria in 2009 and claimed the life of his mother, will step out in the TAB.com.au Stakes (1400m) on Derby day.

British General scored a stirring last-start win in the Weekend Hussler Stakes at Caulfield on October 12.

After leading for most of the 1400 metre race, he looked beaten as eventual second placegetter Bello edged ahead in the straight before British General fought back to get the verdict by a short head.

Trainer Dan O'Sullivan says another win on Saturday will earn British General a shot at Group One company the following week.

It will also give him the chance to showcase his versatility by stretching to 1600 metres, a distance he has attempted only once at Flemington in April when he finished sixth.

"He's a horse I've always believed can get a good mile," O'Sullivan said.

British General's rating of 98 is just short of guaranteeing him an Emirates start but a win on Saturday will put it beyond doubt.

"The Crystal Mile didn't have a full field and he would have got a run in the Toorak Handicap, so using those two mile races as a guide he probably would make the (Emirates) field as it stands," O'Sullivan said.

"Hopefully, he can win on Saturday which makes us exempt from the ballot."

O'Sullivan said British General's draw in barrier eight should suit his frontrunning style.

"Starting from eight gives you time to look at the horses inside you, whereas, if you have drawn one, you must hold your spot," he said.

"I'd rather him draw middle of the field than one or two."