Iconic, who has family links to the incomparable Black Caviar, will attempt to make his own mark in one of Melbourne's biggest sprints on Saturday.

The gelding, a three-quarter brother to the retired champion, resumes in the Group One Oakleigh Plate and trainer Tony McEvoy believes the four-year-old is a genuine chance.

Iconic has performed well fresh in lesser grade with three first-up wins during his career, including his only black-type victory in the Listed Carlyon Stakes last spring.

But he will have to produce a personal best to win the Oakleigh Plate.

Last week's Lightning Stakes was also considered a first-up target before McEvoy decided to dodge Lankan Rupee, Brazen Beau and Deep Field.

He believes he made the right move and Iconic, who will be ridden by apprentice Chris Parnham, has drawn the inside gate in the field of 18.

"His trial was really good and drawn barrier one with 52-1/2 kilos on his back, with average luck he should be closer to the pointy end than not," McEvoy said.

Iconic finished 14th in last year's Oakleigh Plate from barrier 18.

McEvoy was heartened by the horse's performance at weight-for-age in the Group One Manikato Stakes last spring when he finished ninth, 1-1/2 lengths astern of the winner Lankan Rupee.

"We thought he was stiff not to win that race. There's probably a few other stories like that in the race too, but he was one of them," McEvoy said.

Iconic is by Black Caviar's sire Bel Esprit and is out of a half-sister to the champion racemare's dam.

Black Caviar won 15 Group One races during her unbeaten 25-start career but never contested an Oakleigh Plate.

Iconic is also a brother to boom filly Sistonic who is favourite to win her first stakes race at Moonee Valley on Friday night.

Last year's Blue Diamond winner Earthquake, unbeaten in three starts at Caulfield, is the Oakleigh Plate favourite at $5 ahead of Vain Queen ($6).

Trainer Peter Moody will decide on Friday whether Flamberge runs after mucus was detected in the horse's throat during a scope.