Long-range plans to turn Secessio into a jumper could be the catalyst for the stayer to make a return to form on the flat, starting on Saturday.

After beginning his career in Germany before joining Chris Waller, Secessio will have his third start for Bob Challis when he runs over 2500m at Moonee Valley.

Challis and partner Liz Irwin already have had success with another Waller import Stand To Gain who earlier this month won the Galleywood Hurdle at Warrnambool.

The plan for Secessio is to also go jumping but Irwin said the gelding would stay on the flat until next year.

Ralph Portaro and Gary Stead had shares in both Stand To Gain and Secessio when they were prepared by Waller, eventually buying out the other co-owners and sending them to Victoria with jumping careers in mind.

Irwin reluctantly passed up buying into Stand To Gain but has taken a share in Secessio.

"Hindsight is a remarkable thing," she said.

"I had another young horse at the time and couldn't go into Stand To Gain but I've gone into this one."

Irwin said Secessio was in the early stages of learning the jumping craft after arriving at her stable with some few minor issues, including feet problems.

"He's finally settled in well to life of going into a paddock which is completely different to what he was used to as we are on a farm," Irwin said.

A disappointing performance when beating just one runner home in the Warrnambool Cup (2350m) on May 7 forced the stable to rethink immediate plans.

She said the Andrew Ramsden Stakes at Flemington last week was the initial focus before deciding on Saturday's easier race.

In-form apprentice Michael Dee takes the ride with his 2kg claim bringing the gelding's weight down to 58kg.

Secessio was a handy flat performer in Sydney last year, filling placings in the Lord Mayor's Cup and McKell Cup.

He won the Winter Cup at Rosehill last June before running second in the Grafton Cup.