The race once tipped to underline Rawnaq's promise will provide another opportunity for the stayer to deliver his most important win on a stop-start racing journey.

In a career almost ruined because of injury and a breathing issue, Rawnaq will come full circle on Saturday when he contests the Group Two Zipping Classic at Sandown.

Rawnaq raced in the Zipping Classic in 2012, earning his chance against more seasoned racehorses after finishing in the Victoria Derby minor placings as a $101 chance.

But instead of giving trainer David Hayes a further insight into Rawnaq's autumn prospects, it left the horse sidelined for more than a year because of a tendon injury.

It turned out time on the racetrack wasn't the only thing Rawnaq lost.

An entire of some value as a Group One-placed son of Redoute's Choice, Rawnaq also lost his manhood.

On the credit side of the enforced spell, Rawnaq's breathing issue was rectified by an operation.

"He's gone the long way around, but he's proven to be a good advertisement for gelding and wind operations," Hayes said.

"He was a provincial-class horse that had run an unlucky third in the Derby in a good year and we were pretty happy with how he went in the Zipping but he pulled up with a bowed tendon."

Rawnaq struggled at his first few runs back but he has turned his fortunes around during the spring.

He won at Caulfield last month before running midfield over 2000m at Flemington on the final day of the Melbourne Cup carnival.

Hayes says he is looking forward to Rawnaq stepping up to 2400m, adamant it will be his best distance.

Spillway will also represent Hayes in the Zipping following a strong fourth in the Mackinnon Stakes and the trainer thinks he will also be suited by a distance increase.

Hayes will also have a strong presence in the Group Two Sandown Guineas headed by Zululand.

The horse has been freshened for the drop back to 1600m after running sixth in the Moonee Valley Vase on October 25.

He will be joined by stablemate and last-start Flemington winner Petrology in the Group Two event.

And Hayes is hoping unbeaten filly Wawail can gain some important black type when she contests the City Of Greater Dandenong Stakes (1400m).