Trainer Danny O'Brien is hoping for back-to-back Standish Handicap wins at Flemington when he saddles Decircles in the Group Three sprint.

Adamantium led all the way to win the $150,000 sprint down the Flemington straight in brilliant style in 2013 and O'Brien is hoping front-running Decircles can replicate that effort on Wednesday.

Decircles, the $4.40 favourite, has taken the same path as his stablemate in winning a lead-up race at Flemington on December 14 from Morant, who also lines up in the Standish.

"It's the right course and distance for him," said a confident O'Brien.

"It's a step up in class from his win two weeks ago but the horse is in great shape and it's the race we have had in mind for him for a long time.

"We won the race 12 months ago with a similar profile horse."

He sees challenges from Adelaide gelding Essay Raider, with South Australia's leading jockey Clare Lindop aboard, as well as multiple stakes winner Sea Lord.

"There's depth to it, for sure, but you expect that in this level of racing," said O'Brien.

He said Decircles, to be ridden by Glen Boss, will be on the speed provided it's not a breakneck pace in the early stages.

"It's the defining run for this preparation and we won't have any plans for him until he gets tomorrow out of the way," he said.

He said Adamantium had a respiratory operation during the spring and is back in work being prepared for an autumn campaign.

O'Brien has a number of other chances at Flemington including rising star Mokoro, short-priced favourite for the New Year Handicap (1200m).

"She has to get her barrier manners sorted out," said O'Brien.

"She missed the start of her last two runs and made it hard on herself.

"We're hoping she jumps better tomorrow."