The Debbie Padberg-trained gelding last raced at Gloucester Park in May 2020 when he finished second to Pierre Whitby.

Since that night, Pierre Whitby has gone on to have 94 starts, while Amadeo has had just one trial at Wanneroo in April.

Padberg said she had deliberately taken a conservative approach with Amadeo, who has had to overcome setbacks with his legs.

"We've given him a lot of time," Padberg told TABradio.

"We've been patient with him and his legs are good at the moment.

"He's been Luke Edwards' for a little while and he led the gallopers off him, so he had a lot of work there.

"He's loving his work and is really well."

The seven-year-old, to be driven by Shannon Suvaljko, has drawn barrier three for his return in tonight's affair, with key rival Cavalry Call drawn inside him.

Despite the long layoff, Amadeo opened a $1.90 favourite with TABtouch and is still a firm favourite at $2.05.

Padberg said she expected Amadeo to make a strong return to racing.

"It's a good race for him," she said.

"He loves the distance.

"He's a very smart horse and has been working in the heavy sand and looks to be thriving.

"I think he will run a very bold race."

Meanwhile, exciting three-year-old Mister Smartee could make his WA debut at Gloucester Park this Friday.

The gelding made his first public appearance in a Pinjarra trial last Friday, where he beat home fellow talented three-year-old Skylord.

Now under the care of trainer Gary Hall Snr, Mister Smartee had two starts in New Zealand prior to making his way to Perth.

The son of Always B Miki has been nominated for this week's three-year-old event alongside stablemates Star Lavra, Hes Neva Been Beta, Franco Mecca and Velocipede.

Hall Snr said hes was pleased with Mister Smartee's trial and his build up to his first WA campaign.

"He ran 27.1 in the last quarter and I think he could've run another quarter like that the way he was going," he said.

"He was a bit lazy, which was a bit of a surprise because he's been the opposite at home.

"He's not carrying a lot of condition, which is something I don't like at the start of a prep.

"I'll give him two or three runs, then spell him and bring him back for the Derby."