Trainer Tony McEvoy believes Jimando is ready to hit his straps in the Victoria Handicap after two runs back from an extended injury lay-off.

Jimando is among 24 nominations for Saturday's 1400m-Group Three race which is one of two feature races on the card, the other being the Group Three Easter Cup (2000m).

Six-year-old Jimando has been unplaced in his two starts since returning from almost a year off the scene because of a tendon injury.

The gelding was sixth in a 1200m benchmark race down the straight at Flemington in his return last month before finishing fourth over 1400m in Listed company at the same track last Saturday week.

"I think he has needed his two runs back after a long lay-off and should be close to his peak on Saturday," McEvoy said.

"He's trained on really nicely.

"He over-raced and got exposed first-up and then still pulled a bit hard second-up but he stuck to his task well.

"I've been very pleased with his soundness and the way he has returned."

Stephen Baster has been booked to ride Jimando.

Group One winner Stratum Star headlines the entries and has top weight of 60kg, 1.5kg more than his stablemate, Newmarket Handicap runner-up Black Heart Bart.

The Easter Cup has attracted 22 entries with Australian Cup runner-up Awesome Rock the highest-weighted with 59kg.

He is also nominated for the Neville Sellwood Stakes in Sydney.