Brisbane speedster Better Than Ready has run an eye-catching third in a barrier trial at Doomben ahead of a Group One sprint campaign in Melbourne.

Trainer Kelly Schweida was pleased with Tuesday's effort when Better Than Ready worked strongly to the line after striking traffic in the 820m heat.

"You wouldn't believe it in a five-horse trial he got held up for a run. When he got out with 50 metres to go he really hit the line," Schweida said.

"Let's hope that's the end of the bad luck."

The colt was having his first serious hit-out since winning the Listed Keith Noud Hcp (1200m) at Eagle Farm in November.

Ridden by race jockey Ric McMahon, Better Than Ready ran on well in the final stages to finish third, about a half length behind the winner Magic in Motion.

Schweida said Better Than Ready had a "good blow" after the trial.

He said he hadn't decided exactly when Better than Ready would head to Melbourne.

"We have to get him there for the Rubiton Stakes on February 8. But I haven't worked out exactly when we will go," Schweida said.

Better Than Ready's main autumn races in Melbourne will be the Group One Oakleigh Plate (1100m) on February 22 and the Group One Newmarket Handicap (1200m) on March 8.

Schweida believes Better Than ready is a stronger horse than when he ventured south for the Newmarket last year and was far from disgraced when fifth behind Shamexpress.

Meanwhile, Schweida is hoping to step his promising three-year-old Secret Harmony up in distance in the coming weeks.

Secret Harmony won a 1200m race at Eagle Farm on New Year's Day and was an eye-catching fourth, under 59kg from barrier 11, in a 1200m race at Doomben on Saturday.

"There are 1600 and 1800 metre races which will suit him but I don't know if the race programs suit him in the lead up to them," he said.