Peter Snowden says Secession is on track to confirm his favouritism for the $1 million Blue Diamond Stakes with a bold showing in the Blue Diamond Prelude for colts and geldings at Caulfield.The Lonhro colt has been at the head of Blue Diamond betting since markets opened courtesy of his impressive debut victory in the Merson Cooper Stakes (1000m) at Sandown in November.Secession was spelled after that win over Shaaheq and Snowden says he has done everything right in the lead-up to his return on

Peter Snowden says Secession is on track to confirm his favouritism for the $1 million Blue Diamond Stakes with a bold showing in the Blue Diamond Prelude for colts and geldings at Caulfield.

The Lonhro colt has been at the head of Blue Diamond betting since markets opened courtesy of his impressive debut victory in the Merson Cooper Stakes (1000m) at Sandown in November.

Secession was spelled after that win over Shaaheq and Snowden says he has done everything right in the lead-up to his return on Saturday.

"I was quite taken by the win because he was immature and I only ran him because he trialled well leading into that and he really surprised us with the way he won," Snowden said.

"I gave him a short break with the intention of having a crack at these races and in the time he was out he did remarkably well.

"He came back a different horse, in just a few weeks it was amazing the condition he was carrying.

"He's trialled really well at Cranbourne (when a close second to the unbeaten General Truce) and he's done nothing but improve so he's certainly on track."

Secession settled seventh at Sandown on debut but Snowden said he expected the colt to be closer up, about third or fourth, over the 1100m on Saturday.

The Paul Messara-trained Redoute's Choice colt Beneteau is $3.60 favourite with TAB Sportsbet for the Prelude ahead of Secession at $3.80, General Truce ($5.50), Pellizotti ($6.50) with Innocent Gamble next best at $7.

Snowden expects first starter Malbun, a daughter of Commands, to be prominent in the fillies Prelude following her Cranbourne barrier trial win last month.

"She's always shown us a bit of ability, her trial win was very good, she was still soft and new and has improved since then and drawing a good gate (barrier one) tomorrow is a huge plus for her," he said.

"She's not out of her place and I'm sure she'll make her presence felt."

The John McArdle-trained Sweet Cheeks is $3.50 favourite ahead of She's Got Gears and first starter Psychologist at $5, Jalsah ($7) with Panipique next best at $8.

Malbun is at $14.