A softly, softly approach with star galloper Teronado will get its first major test at Doomben.

Much of the interest at Saturday's Doomben meeting will centre on the return of stakes-winning gallopers Rudy and Kingdoms.

But just as important will be the performance of Group One-placed Teronado, who will be having his first start in nearly a year in the Country Music Raceday Plate (1200m).

Teronado, third in Criterion's 2014 Rosehill Guineas, was a genuine Caulfield Cup contender last year when he was galloped on in the Group One George Main Stakes (1600m) at Randwick, on September 14.

He suffered a huge gash in a hind leg and spent several hours on the operating table at the Randwick Equine Hospital.

Trainer Bruce Hill and owner Steve Foster feared Teronado might never race again.

"We turned him out in the paddock and gave him a long spell. We visited him regularly and were pleased with the progress he was making."

"When he appeared to be healing very well we decided to put him back into work. But we took a softly, softly approach with him and so far it seems to have worked," Hill said.

Teronado has had two trials finishing sixth in the first and a good third to Group performers Rudy and Sagaronne in the other.

"The first trial was a soft one and then the second one he did a bit more. He is getting back to his best but has a way to go just yet," Hill said.

"But it has been a good preparation so far and he looks very well. He has muscled right up."

Teronado will probably have another start in Brisbane after Saturday's race over 1350m.

"I don't know if we will get much of a guide on Saturday with the rail right out. He will need some luck the way he races," Hill said.

Teronado has been entered for the Group One Caulfield Cup but all going well he will head to Melbourne via Sydney.

"If things stay good he will tackle the George Main Stakes again at Randwick next month," Hill said.

Glen Colless will ride Teronado on Saturday but his southern jockey is yet to be confirmed.

In-form apprentice Luke Dittman has picked up the key rides on Rudy in the Jim Barry Open (1350m) and Kingdoms in the Courier Mail Taste Open (1640m).

Rudy will be having his first start since a spell and is being aimed at the Group One Epsom Handicap on October 4.

"Luke's claim will reduce his weight to 58.5kgs which is still hefty," trainer Helen Page said.

Kingdoms who has had a stalled return to racing is also scheduled to head for Sydney next month.