The outside barrier is not expected to stop the world's highest-ranked sprinter Lankan Rupee from returning to racing as a winner in the McEwen Stakes.

Lankan Rupee has drawn barrier nine for his spring return in Saturday's Group Two sprint at Moonee Valley but bookmakers have made him a $1.25 favourite to continue his unbeaten run in 2014.

His jockey Craig Newitt is also convinced class will win out in the weight-for-age race.

"He should be good enough to overcome it," Newitt said of the barrier.

"It's not ideal but at the end of the day we know there's going to be a stack of speed and they'll string out.

"He's just got to find a nice spot, probably in second or third and he'll still be able to be very hard to beat."

Lankan Rupee ventured to Moonee Valley on Tuesday to re-aquaint himself with the circuit.

Newitt declared it was the best the triple Group One winner had felt this campaign as he shaded stablemate Lion Of Belfort with plenty in the tank in the 800-metre gallop.

"All his work had been on heavy ground. It was the first time I had been able to get him on a decent surface and he worked super," Newitt said.

Lankan Rupee's last defeat came at Moonee Valley almost 12 months ago but he has won at the track.

Speedy three-year-old filly Eloping, who will have an 8.5kg pull in the weights over Lankan Rupee, is on the second line of betting at $8 with Group Two winner and Group One-placed sprinter Unpretentious at $12.

The McEwen field also includes Godolphin three-year-old Orujo, who has 52kg, with star Sydney jockey Tommy Berry to ride and New Zealander Cauthen who makes his debut for trainers Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young.