It's the five-year-old gelding's first run since an impressive fourth in a rating-90 race over 1800m at Flemington in November.

With leading jockey Damien Oliver at the controls, Asclepius put up a strong showing on Oaks day and didn't look out of his depth against city opposition.

He is again being aimed at the Canberra Cup (2000m) on March 9 after finishing seventh last year.

Trainer Len Hodgson said he won't be making the same mistake this time of pushing towards the front in the early stages when he tried to make the most of drawing barrier four. ''We probably rode him the wrong way last year,'' Hodgson said. ''He didn't have any sprint, he's a chase horse.

''He's a year stronger, he's a bit more seasoned and we'll ride him from the back this time.''

Asclepius will carry 58.5 kilograms on Friday and veteran hoop Kevin Sweeney has the ride.

''We've given Asclepius four weeks off and he's ready to go in a 1000m tomorrow,'' Hodgson said.

''Obviously he's not a 1000m horse, but it's probably more a barrier trial than anything. This is just a kicking-off point and his fourth run will be the Canberra Cup.''

The Nick Olive-trained Testanova is in good form coming off a last-start win in a benchmark 70 at Wagga Wagga on January 7.

The first of the eight races at Thoroughbred Park on Friday starts at 2.18pm.