The Warrnambool trainer conceded his seven-year-old gelding - co-trained by Wilde's son, Symon, - was able to improve on his result from the St George Stakes over 1800 metres at Caulfield a fortnight ago.

The Gai Waterhouse-trained Theseo led all the way in the group two race, finishing 3 and 3/4 lengths ahead of Baughurst.

"In the St George we opted to race forward with him because of the leader," Wilde said.

"It probably wasn't his best style of racing.

"Theseo outsprinted him to the line at middling speed."

Wilde will take a different approach to today's group one race over 2000m at Flemington, which Theseo ($2.20) will start as hot favourite.

"On face value, he's going to be awfully hard to beat," the trainer said.

"Someone needs to take him on, make it a genuine speed then camp in behind him and have a crack at the very end.

"When Theseo gets an uncontested lead he's awfully hard to beat.

"It will be a good staying test."

Baughurst is equal third favourite with Pre Eminence ($14).

Equal second picks are Master O'Reilly, Road to Rock and Niconero ($11).

Wilde, who said Baughurst was better ridden back off the speed, was happy with the gelding's preparation.

He was impressed with his two runs since an 11-week Christmas/New Year spell.

"He's come back really well," he said.

"The first run in the Orr (Stakes on February 8) was encouraging and the second in the St George was encouraging.

"He's in good spirits and we couldn't be happier with him."

Despite being pleased, the trainer was not confident Baughurst could pip the favourite. "He's in good form and good shape and I think he's just about to peak but it will come down to whether he's good enough on the day," Wilde said.

"His form might not be good enough to beat the calibre of horses he will come up against.