Hawkes Racing is banking on Sydney bringing out the best in talented gelding Messene when he resumes in the Missile Stakes at Randwick.

Messene finished runner-up to Sweet Idea in the corresponding race 12 months ago but couldn't replicate that form in Melbourne, where he failed to fire in two Group One runs.

He has been off the scene since his down-the-track performance in the Makybe Diva Stakes at Flemington last September and Michael Hawkes says the stable feels he will be better suited back racing in the clockwise direction in Sydney.

"To be fair, he is probably better the Sydney way of going than the Melbourne way of going," Hawkes said.

"He's a nice chance. He's been off the scene for a while but he's come back well.

"He was second to Sweet Idea last year, so he's proved he's up to it."

Messene tuned up for the Group Two sprint with a quiet barrier trial at Rosehill on Tuesday.

He is one of nine final acceptors for the Missile which also includes Group One winner Temple Of Boom, Liberty's Choice for Gai Waterhouse and the Chris Waller-trained Weary.

Weary's stablemate Royal Descent was a late nomination for the race but Waller didn't pay up for her to run and will reserve the mare for the Warwick Stakes in two weeks.

A field of eight will contest the Listed Rosebud, headed by Hawkes Racing's exciting colt Rageese.

The race will be the three-year-old's first appearance since he dead-heated for second behind Pride Of Dubai in the Group One Sires' Produce Stakes in April.

Michael Hawkes said Saturday's race shaped as an ideal campaign starting point.

"He did a big job to even get to the Sires'," Hawkes said.

"It took a good one to beat him, the winner was just a bit more seasoned than we were.

"His trial was good, he's developed and it's a nice race for him."

Former French galloper Himalaya Dream and last-start winner Darciwood round out Hawkes Racing's Randwick team.