Craig Newitt admits the distance of Saturday's Craftsman Handicap is short of He's Your Man's best trip but the jockey will still be disappointed if the import is beaten.

Newitt has a big opinion of the Chris Waller-trained former French galloper and is looking forward to riding him for the second time at Flemington over 1720m.

He's Your Man made an encouraging Australian debut on New Year's Day at the same track, finishing runner-up to subsequent stakes winner Anlon over an unsuitable 1400m.

"I think he's a very good horse," Newitt said.

"He's going to measure up to a lot better races than he's running in at the moment.

"He is still well short of his best trip but he's drawn a good gate tomorrow and will probably race a lot closer I would think.

"I'm hoping his ability will get him over the line. I'll be disappointed if he gets beaten, but in saying that when he steps up in trip you'll see a lot better horse."

Newitt believes He's Your Man is "definitely a Group horse" but says how high he goes will be known in time.

The lightly-raced five-year-old entire, a Listed winner in France who never raced over less than 2000m before his Australian debut, is the $2.75 favourite just ahead of the Darren Weir-trained Prince Of Penzance ($2.80) who was an impressive second-up winner at Moonee Valley last start.

"He'll be doing his best work late," Newitt said. "Whether he's sharp enough with that run under his belt now, we'll find out tomorrow.

Newitt expects the tempo of the race will be crucial to his chances against the likes of Prince Of Penzance.

"If it's a fast-run 1700 it would suit our bloke. If it's a sit-and-sprint it would probably suit others in the race," Newitt said.