Alma's Fury turned out to be a Sydney weight-for-age giant-killer in early 2013 but Paul Murray has more modest end-of-year goals for his best horse.

The six-year-old is returning to the racetrack for a preparation aimed at going one place better in this year's Villiers Stakes before he is given the chance to defend his Bernborough Handicap crown in Brisbane.

His latest campaign comes after his spring was cut short following a midfield placing in the Cameron Handicap at Newcastle in September.

"The Group Ones and the Group Twos are just a bit strong for him," Murray said.

"He's probably a really good Group Three horse, Listed to Group Three, which we've said all along."

Alma's Fury returned a peak career rating with his surprise Apollo win over Tougher Than Ever and Danleigh.

The six-year-old is an $11 chance in the Cellarbrations Wadalba Handicap (1350m), an assessment that Murray finds hard to argue against.

"He's coming along well although he's still a bit fat for Saturday but he has to have a run to get his fitness up."

Alma's Fury will have his campaign timed for the Villiers Stakes to be his third run back after he was beaten a nose by All Legal in last year's race.

Fellow Villiers aspirant Malavio is the $5.50 favourite to return to Sydney racing on a winning note after running unplaced in the Crystal Mile at Moonee Valley.