Lightly raced three-year-old Bikila is heading for a well earned spell to prepare for a spring campaign.

The Pat Carey-trained gelding came from the back of the field to run fourth behind a classy trio in the Australian Derby at just his fifth start.

New Zealand Derby winner Mongolian Khan beat Godolphin's Hauraki and Rosehill Guineas winner Volkstok'n'barrell at Randwick on Monday.

Carey was delighted with how he came out of the Group One classic run on a wet track.

"Bikila came out of the Derby in good order and will now have a well earned rest," Carey said.

"It's his first racing preparation and he got to the mile-and-a-half (2400m).

"He's done really well so he'll have a rest now."

Carey said he would discuss options with owner Trevor Delroy about a spring campaign.

"We'll see how he spells and sit down with the owner and see what his intentions are with the horse," Carey said.

"Once we've had those talks we'll work out a program and go from there, but I would say he'll be nominated for both the Cups."

The Delroy-owned and Carey-trained Ethiopia won the Australian Derby in 2012 at just his fourth start.

He returned the following spring to run fourth in the Cox Plate before finishing last in the Melbourne Cup and the Derby remains his only win.

Bikila began racing in January and at his third start won a benchmark 70 race over 1600m at Sandown, his only win in his five starts.