Part-owner Anthony Rix has the family star up against the family favourite in the $1 million Darley Classic, both trying to beat a superstar sprinter.

Family star Terravista has already proven his credentials in the sprint feature at Flemington but will have to again get past the dominant favourite Chautauqua.

Rix says it is time for Terravista to again step up after showing his ability when he won the 2014 Darley Classic.

"I think the autumn he wasn't at his best, there's no doubt about that," Rix said on Friday.

"It's time for him to stand back up and show that he's back to his best."

Terravista's half-brother Tiger Tees, both prepared by Warwick Farm trainer Joe Pride, will also start in the Group One sprint and Rix says the eight-year-old is not there to make up the numbers.

"I think realistically Terravista would be the one we fancy but I wouldn't underestimate Tiger Tees.

"We think that Tiger, whilst he might be 100-1, in his own right he deserves an opportunity and his form down the straight's great."

Both horses are owned by syndicates, with four overlapping part-owners.

Rix rates Tiger Tees as his personal favourite.

"I think when you get a horse and it gets to the level of winning 13 races it becomes a bit of a family favourite.

"No matter how he goes tomorrow we'll be clapping him in and really just enjoying the moment."

Rix said his team did not mind a soft track after Melbourne's rain, although he was not about to call an advantage over the Hawkes Racing-trained gelding Chautauqua.

"I don't know that anyone could say they could have an advantage over Chautauqua in any conditions to be honest. He's an absolute superstar.

"We think we'll be extremely competitive. Joe Pride has always said Terry's the best horse he's ever trained - well let's see him stand up tomorrow and be that."

Rix came close to having three starters in the Darley with Tiger Tees' full brother Ball Of Muscle, but the five-year-old has gone to the paddock for a spell and will come back in the autumn.

A trio of Darley starters could yet happen next year.

"I hope so, that would be our aim if that could come off," Rix said.