Trainer Robert Smerdon is looking to play a big part in the return of Nick Hall at Caulfield as the jockey makes his comeback from injury.

After seven months on the sidelines with a broken wrist which required two operations, Hall's Boxing Day rides include the Smerdon-trained Reldas in the Listed Christmas Stakes.

"Nick had a good record on Reldas early," Smerdon said.

"I've got Nick on three horses on Saturday which I'm happy about. I'm a big Nick Hall fan.

"He sorted out Reldas' best racing pattern. He started to ride him off the speed and the horse became more effective."

Reldas, one of six rides for Hall on Saturday, opened favourite at $4.60 in first markets and has since firmed into $3.80.

"I think he's right in the mix. It's a good race for him," Smerdon said.

"They're evenly graded. It's a handicap and there's not a lot between a number of them but I'm confident he goes there in good shape."

Hall has ridden Reldas four times for two wins, the first a six-length victory at Moonee Valley in December last year followed by another Moonee Valley win in January.

Reldas won the first two starts of his current campaign at the Valley in October before a Flemington placing.

It was then Smerdon decided to keep him ticking over into the summer with a view to the Christmas Stakes.

He heads into the race off a last-start fifth in a Listed sprint at Sandown, his first try at stakes level.

"He didn't leave the stable after the spring. He stayed there and had an easy time for a while," Smerdon said.

"It was four weeks between runs back to the 1000 metres (at Sandown) and then three weeks into this.

"He had a work-out on the course proper on Tuesday and I think he's ticking over quite well.

"He's drawn awkwardly but he does get off the speed and there's a forecast of solid rain so the track factor might be a consideration come Saturday."