Imported mare Noble Protector makes her return in a Group Three race at Flemington, boasting a strong form line through one of her spring carnival cameos.

The Qatar Bloodstock owned-mare made her Australian debut in the David Jones Cup in October at Caulfield and finished second to Godolphin's star recruit Contributer in the 2000m race.

Contributer has since stamped himself as a weight-for-age star with wins in the Apollo Stakes and Group One Chipping Norton Stakes in his two autumn starts in Sydney.

"It looks fantastic on paper," Noble Protector's jockey Craig Williams said of that form line.

"And all I can say is that she (Noble Protector) has actually improved with her first preparation here."

Williams said he was looking forward to riding Noble Protector in Saturday's Schweppervescence Trophy (1600m), believing trainer Robert Smerdon had found a suitable first-up option for the Listed winner from England.

She has the minimum weight for a mare of 54kg in the set weights plus penalties event.

Noble Protector has had three barrier trials including a solid hit-out over 1190m at Cranbourne last week.

"I've been really happy with her progression and her work and trials leading into this," Williams said.

Noble Protector is the $2.80 favourite with VRC Oaks winner Set Square a $5.50 chance.

Bonaria will attempt to win the race for the third straight year.