The likelihood of a firmer surface has trainer Phillip Stokes upbeat about the prospects of Lucky Symbol bouncing back from a last-start defeat at Caulfield on Saturday.

Stokes has opted for the Taralye Get Deaf Kids Talking Plate (1200m) in Melbourne instead of a Morphettville Parks race for Lucky Symbol on a day when the Adelaide-based trainer will have chances in three states.

Lucky Symbol won first-up at Bendigo in March and was placed in the Listed Redelva Stakes at Morphettville before failing on slow ground in the Group Two Euclase Stakes.

The three-year-old was scratched from the Group One Goodwood last week because of a rain-affected track.

"The wet track last start didn't suit him and we weren't very confident going into the race because he galloped on the previous Tuesday (on wet ground) and he didn't seem to work anywhere near the way he could," Stokes said.

"That's why we scratched him from the Goodwood also."

Caulfield was rated in the dead range on Thursday and Stokes said Saturday's race looked an ideal target.

Jye McNeil will claim 2kg off the gelding's 58kg impost.

"From barrier three and with the claim it looks a really nice race for him," Stokes said.

Group-winning stablemate Hucklebuck is favourite to return a winner in the Group Three Fred Best Classic at Doomben and the path he takes in Queensland could influence Stokes' plans for Lucky Symbol.

Hucklebuck is nominated for the Stradbroke Handicap on June 7 while the Group Two Queensland Guineas a week earlier is also an option.

If he heads to the Group One, it could pave the way for Lucky Symbol to tackle the Guineas.

"If Hucklebuck doesn't go to the Guineas and goes to the Stradbroke, I might have a think about that," Stokes said.

Hucklebuck pleased Stokes with his gallop at Doomben on Tuesday and while the trainer says he could be vulnerable first-up over 1350m, Hucklebuck has class on his side.

The horse's performance at Doomben will help determine winter carnival plans.

"He probably has to still qualify for the Stradbroke and we'll just see what he does on Saturday and that will give us an idea," Stokes said.

"Obviously the Guineas would be the easier race but the Stradbroke is worth $1.3 million so we've got to weigh up the options."