Trainer Pat Duff is unsure what level Heart Of The Citi can achieve following knee surgery but is confident he'll eventually earn a shot at another big payday at next year's Magic Millions carnival on the Gold Coast.Heart of The Citi will line up for his second start this campaign in Saturday's Tattersall's Arcade Open Handicap (1200m) at Eagle Farm following his disappointing comeback at the same track on July 4.The rising five-year-old was beaten just over three lengths when eighth to Mr Arist

Trainer Pat Duff is unsure what level Heart Of The Citi can achieve following knee surgery but is confident he'll eventually earn a shot at another big payday at next year's Magic Millions carnival on the Gold Coast.

Heart of The Citi will line up for his second start this campaign in Saturday's Tattersall's Arcade Open Handicap (1200m) at Eagle Farm following his disappointing comeback at the same track on July 4.

The rising five-year-old was beaten just over three lengths when eighth to Mr Aristos but wasn't suited in the sprint over 1000 metres.

Duff conceded he was disappointed with the gelding's performance as he expected him to show more dash.

"It was a little short for him but he didn't ping to the line as I expected," Duff said.

"I think his rightful distance is around 1400 metres and this is still only 1200 metres.

"He had a knee operation after his last campaign and he's not showing signs of any problems.

"I'm not sure what level he'll get to but he'll need to come back to form before I can give him a short break and then get him ready for the Magic Millions Cup."

Duff has ruled out a Sydney or Melbourne trip for Heart Of The Citi who won the $1 million Magic Millions Trophy (1400m) at the Gold Coast last year.

"I'm not looking at taking him away south," Duff said.

"I think he'll be better placed chasing the good prizemoney in Brisbane rather than going south for weight-for-age races.

"I still think he's a good horse and I've got a high opinion of him and hopefully he can find his best form this time."

Duff has named Charming Rogue and Albert The Fat as the two main threats to Heart Of The Citi winning for a sixth time.

"At the weights Charming Rogue and Albert The Fat are both very well in," he said.

"I'm not complaining because my horse has won a $1 million race but we are all on the same weight with 55 kilos.

"Charming Rogue in particular is well weighted considering he's won twice in Sydney."

Charming Rogue was unbeaten in his first seven starts including two Rosehill wins before failing to come up last campaign.

The four-year-old suffered his first defeat when 14th to Friendly Embrace in the Group Three George Moore Stakes (1200m) at Doomben in December before trainer Alan Bailey spelled him after he failed again when 15th to Barlinnie in the Listed Doomben Stakes a fortnight later.

In three starts this campaign, Charming Rogue's best performance was a close fourth to Ortensia in the Group Two QTC Cup (1300m) at Eagle Farm in May before he failed again in the Listed Eye Liner Stakes (1350m) at Ipswich and Listed Glasshouse Handicap (1400m) at Caloundra.