The Standish Handicap will determine the autumn campaign of sprinter Lord Of The Sky.

Trainer Robbie Laing said the four-year-old would contest the 1200m race on New year's Day with a decision then to be made whether to step him up in distance.

He said options were to press on to Chester Manifold Stakes over 1400m at Flemington on January 17 or to freshen Lord Of The Sky up for the bigger autumn sprints at Caulfield and Flemington during February and March.

Lord Of The Sky has yet to win beyond 1100 metres and has finished fourth as favourite at his past three starts including when first-up in the Christmas Cup (1000m) at Sandown on December 6 under the steadier of 60kg.

While disappointed with the defeat, Laing still thought the son of Danerich performed well under the circumstances.

"He had 60 kilos and ran into a very strong headwind," Laing said.

"If he was a normal horse and not under such scrutiny, you would say the last 50 (metres) uphill got him first-up."

Laing said he got home from Sandown that night and scrolled through the calendar looking for a suitable race with the Standish the only option.

The trainer has a leaning towards running Lord Of The Sky in the Chester Manifold, believing a "soft" 1400m around Flemington will suit him.

"They say it's the easiest 1400 metres around so that might be the way to go," Laing said.

"January 1 will tell us whether we press on for the Chester Manifold or give him a freshen-up and bring him back for the big sprints in the autumn.

"He'll have a trial leading into the Standish and I'll try and get that about 10 or 12 days before the race which is his normal program."