A reluctance to make too many interstate trips from Adelaide to Melbourne has led Phillip Stokes down an unconventional Thousand Guineas path with Miss Gunpowder.

The South Australian trainer opted to take the filly home after her first-up third in the Quezette Stakes at Caulfield last month, rather than stay in Melbourne.

Stokes said he didn't want to overtax the filly with travel, nor keep her away from her home environment for too long.

"I didn't want to travel her twice (more)," Stokes said.

"She went over there two starts ago and had a look at the track and came through that well.

"She came back here (to Adelaide) and to keep her up to the mark we gave her the run here which was more like a barrier trial."

Miss Gunpowder cruised to victory against older horses at Morphettville on September 5 and will arrive in Melbourne on Thursday night ahead of the Thousand Guineas Prelude (1400m) at Caulfield.

Her rivals include Stay With Me, Pasadena Girl and Jameka who filled the trifecta in the Atlantic Jewel Stakes at Moonee Valley.

Saturday's Prelude will be Miss Gunpowder's biggest test but Stokes says it will be an important guide in her march towards the Thousand Guineas.

"Every time we've lifted the bar she's produced," he said.