Shanghai Warrior is unlikely to be given the chance to win a second Group Three Aurie's Star Handicap at Flemington on Saturday.

The six-year-old is nominated for the $150,000 Aurie's Star (1200m) - a race he won two years ago - and also a 1400-metre open handicap and trainer Pat Hyland is favouring the latter.

Shanghai Warrior has come back from a bowed tendon which kept his off the racing scene for more than 14 months.

The son of Elvstroem has pleased his trainer in his three starts since his return from injury, placing in three straight-track sprints at Flemington during winter including his last-start third in the Listed All Victorian Sprint Series Final (1200m).

"I have intended to run him in the 1400-metre race and at this stage I don't think I will be changing my mind unless acceptances fall away in the other race," Hyland said.

"I know what weight he has got but I also want to have a look how he compares with the other horses."

With Shanghai Warrior most likely to run over the longer journey, Michael Rodd has been booked for the ride at 56.5kg.

Should Hyland change plans and go to the Aurie's Star, he said he had Ben Melham on standby to ride Shanghai Warrior on the limit of 54kg.

Hyland believes the galloper is looking for 1400m after his most recent run when he hit the line well behind Nearest To Pin and Le Bonsir.

"This time last year he had a bowed tendon. So we're lucky to have him back," Hyland said.

"We'll just take the races as they come. We haven't made any long term plans for him.

"He looked like he needed a little bit longer so that's the idea of going up to 1400 metres. After that we will see where we go next."

The Aurie's Star Handicap has 16 nominations with Group One winner Tiger Tees allocated topweight with 59.5kg and his trainer Joe Pride is favouring the Melbourne race over the Missile Stakes in Sydney.