Nordic Empire has heralded the start of Mick Price's assault on the spring with a first-up win at Moonee Valley.

Price trialled Group One placegetters Jabali and Cornrow at Caulfield on Tuesday and Nordic Empire earned the right to join the pair in the Group Three McNeil Stakes at Caulfield with his win on Saturday.

Price said the McNeil Stakes on August 16 would be the first test of his spring three-year-old stock before a second wave of runners.

"Jabali and Cornrow will definitely kick off there and then I have got a few to kick off a couple of weeks after that, Moonovermanhattan and those sorts of horses," Price said.

"I have got a few nice three-year-olds there ready to go."

A pulled muscle cause Price to scrap plans to run Nordic Empire in the $2 million Magic Millions 2YO Classic in January but the three-year-old made a terrific return to racing with a 1-3/4-length win.

Jockey Craig Newitt parked Nordic Empire behind the speed before the $5 favourite dashed clear late to beat Stingray by 1-3/4 lengths while consistent gelding Boomwaa started his three-year-old season with a solid third.

"The race worked out perfectly. He had the leader to follow and the seas parted at the top of the straight," Price said.

"He was good though, he had to hit the line and after eight months, I think there's improvement to come in the horse."

Price said he would nominate Nordic Empire for the Group One Caulfield Guineas in October but he would probably keep the colt to sprint distances.