Hoylonny's best run of form for 12 months has trainer Chris Waller thinking he is ready to make into a proper stayer.

The five-year-old is one of three runners Waller will saddle up in a field reduced to five runners for the Listed Christmas Cup (2400m) at Randwick on Saturday.

Secessio and Permit will also represent the all-conquering stable and Hoylonny is the only one of the trio yet to prove his worth beyond 2000m.

"You could say the trip is a query but he's only had one go at it and that was in the (Australian) Derby at the end of a long three-year-old preparation," Waller said.

"It's easy to make a case for him (this time) because he's in good form, attacking the line."

Hoylonny was beaten 5-1/2 lengths when 10th to Ethiopa in last year's Australian Derby.

It was his sixth and final run of a campaign that started with a pre-Christmas barrier trial.

Ridden for the first time by Peter Robl, Hoylonny relegated Permit and Secessio into the minor placings when he won a 1900m race at Rosehill on November 16.

Robl then brought Hoylonny from last against a slow tempo when he was runner-up to Travolta in the ATC Cup and he keeps the ride again.

Bookmakers have Secessio ($2.90) shading Hoylonny ($3.20) for favouritism.

Secessio won a 2400m Rosehill race during the winter and has been placed in two runs since starting his campaign with a 1500m victory.