All Legal will take the first step towards a defence of his Villiers Stakes crown when he resumes at Rosehill on Saturday.

The gelding, who will step out in the Cellarbrations Diamond Beach Handicap, is not a noted first-up performer and trainer Kevin Moses doesn't expect that to change in the horse's seven-year-old season.

But equally, he believes All Legal still has plenty to offer on the racetrack.

"He's seven now but he's happy, he enjoys being in work, he enjoys people," Moses said.

"The 1100 metres will be too short for him but we'll work along. He'll pay for himself. He'll pick up a race somewhere this preparation, he's going well."

All Legal captured the Group Two Villiers Stakes last summer, his second and most significant black-type success.

He returned for an autumn campaign but his form was affected by niggling issues with his knees.

The horse has since enjoyed a lengthy rest and Moses is hoping All Legal can show the benefits of that by mounting a defence of his Villiers title.

"That's what we'll aim for," he said.

Apprentice Serg Lisnyy, who has ridden a winner at the past two metropolitan meetings, has the mount on Saturday.

The race has attracted a handy field which includes smart Queenslanders Cape Kidnappers and Black Magic.