A horse not originally in Stradbroke Handicap nominations will line up as one of the favourites in the Group One race in Brisbane for trainer Ciaron Maher.

Meanwhile in Melbourne, a horse Maher had earmarked for Queensland's signature race will be out to extend his unbeaten run to five in a benchmark event at Moonee Valley.

Brilliant filly Srikandi was not among first entries for Saturday's Stradbroke at Eagle Farm but five wins on the trot including the Glenlogan Park Stakes convinced connections to pay a late fee to put her in.

Stablemate Akavoroun has won his four starts in lesser company and was among initial nominations for the Doomben 10,000 and Stradbroke, but an interstate trip has not eventuated.

"He was in a lot of races and we thought if he progressed through quickly, Queensland might have been an option for him," Maher said.

"Whether it was at 1400 metres or not, we were probably being a bit ambitious there. But he's definitely always shown good ability and he's progressing through his grades nicely."

Four-year-old Akavoroun resumed from a long break to win a restricted race first-up at Warrnambool with 60kg before scoring again at Bendigo over 1400m last month.

Akavoroun, who runs in the Sportingbet Hcp (1500m) is the shortest-priced favourite on the Moonee Valley card.

"He raced a bit fresh at Bendigo because he had missed a bit of work and it had been a little while between runs, but his ability got him over the line," Maher said.

"This is just the next progression for him on Saturday. He ran in a (benchmark) 78 last start and now he's in an 84. The distance should be OK and he's drawn a nice gate. So he's got a lot in his favour."

It looms as a potentially big day in the career of Maher with Srikandi a chance to become the trainer's second Group One winner, while stablemate Mr O'Ceirin is on the third line of betting for the Brisbane Cup (2400m).

Maher has always known Srikandi has plenty of ability and the filly has gone to another level in Queensland.

"We thought we would get her up there and hopefully get a black type race or two, but she just thrived and grew another leg up there," he said.

"We asked the question of her last start. She had a bit against her with weight and a wide gate and we thought if she could win that with a bit of authority that would be the deciding factor to have a crack at the Stradbroke."