The Flemington performance of Stipulate will decide if the imported galloper heads to Brisbane for the winter carnival.

Co-trainers David Hayes and Tom Dabernig had been considering a trip to the warmer climate for the six-year-old before a disappointing first-up run at Bendigo last month.

A recent barrier trial with apprentice Jye McNeil in the saddle on home soil at Lindsay Park has Dabernig convinced the son of Dansili is back to his top.

Stipulate will get the opportunity to prove it when he lines-up in the Peter Armytage Handicap (1700m) on Saturday.

"I was a little disappointed first-up," Dabernig said.

"We put it down to the track being a bit firm at Bendigo that day.

"He looks tighter and fitter for the run coming into this and has had the benefit of a trial between runs."

High hopes were held for Stipulate last campaign following a first-up Caulfield win before the gelding went on to contest four Group One races with a fifth placing in the Turnbull Stakes his best result.

Dabernig said McNeil got the nod in the trial to get acquainted with the galloper before Saturday's race.

He said the stable was expecting a hefty impost and the 2kg claim for McNeil brings the gelding in with 58kg.

"If he got back to his best form he would give the race a shake," Dabernig said.

"The signs are that he will run well but we just want to see him do it and then we can plot a bit of a path after that."

Dabernig is hopeful, rather than confident, of Dane Hussler filling a place in the VRC St Leger.

He said the distance and the wide spaces of Flemington would be an advantage but her form leading into the race had been average.

"She's the only filly in the race on the minimum weight," Dabernig said.

"We've taken the blinkers off her and if she can sneak a place and pick up some black type, then that would be a bonus."