The circumstances will be less celebrated but trainer Aaron Purcell is hoping he can mirror the success of northern hemisphere-bred horses in Melbourne's spring staying races.

While Haylaman is rated nowhere in the same league as spring heroes Admire Rakti, Adelaide and Protectionist, Purcell believes the 3200-metre trip of the Sandown Cup can bring out the best in the import on Saturday.

Purchased from the same sale as stablemate St Jean, Haylaman hasn't lived up to expectations in Australia.

St Jean, a Moonee Valley winner during the spring, was being aimed at richer races before being sidelined through injury.

Purcell said Haylaman's UK form suggested he raced best between 2200m and 2400m but recent runs pointed to the horse wanting more ground.

"The way he's been racing he's looking for 3000 metres or 3200-metre trips and definitely a big track is what he needs also," Purcell said.

"Obviously the class (in the Sandown Cup) is a bit of a question mark but the other two things are what he's looking for."

St Jean, meanwhile, will be aimed at Group races in Sydney or Queensland in the autumn and winter in an effort to boost his rating and beat the qualifying clauses for next year's spring carnival.

Purcell said St Jean picked up a slight tendon strain and was in pre-training before a stone bruise halted his progress.