Contributer has tuned up for his next test in the Underwood Stakes with an exhibition gallop at Bendigo on Thursday.

The weight-for-age star of the Sydney autumn, the Cox Plate second favourite recently figured in a change of spring plans.

Trainer John O'Shea added Saturday week's Underwood Stakes to the horse's workload because he felt Contributer had done so well in Melbourne he needed another run.

Godolphin's No.1 jockey James McDonald will make the trip from Sydney for the Underwood ride.

"He's doing very well and we've been mindful all along not to have him too far forward but we need to probably get a bit of a wriggle on now and get a bit closer to our peak," O'Shea said.

O'Shea was in Melbourne to watch Contributer gallop with a partner between races at Bendigo, an outing the trainer says will prop up the horse's fitness and keep his mind on his job.