Trainer Tony McEvoy has taken blinkers off Manhattan Blues for the Caulfield Guineas Prelude, a race that will shape spring plans for the three-year-old.

Manhattan Blues is an outsider in early markets for Saturday's Group Three assignment after he finished down the track last start in a Listed race at Flemington.

If he can bounce back at Caulfield, McEvoy will press on to next month's Group One Caulfield Guineas.

"He ran a slashing race at the Valley (first-up) and then ran poorly at Flemington the other day," McEvoy said.

"I think he over-raced in the blinkers so we've taken that gear off.

"He has run very well at Caulfield before, finishing fourth in the Blue Diamond.

"This will determine whether he goes on to the Guineas or whether we divert to something like the Carbine Club Stakes."

Manhattan Blues has worn blinkers in his past five starts.

Ready For Victory is the Caulfield Guineas favourite and he's also top pick to take out Saturday's Prelude which has attracted a field of 16.

Ready For Victory is $3.20 for the Group One lead-up and has barrier nine while Bon Aurum is on the second line of betting at $8.50.