Talented filly American Time is set to make her return at Canberra on Friday, with trainer Gratz Vella looking forward to getting her over a mile this time in.

A winner of five of her 10 starts the daughter of All American has displayed plenty of ability in her short career, including a fourth placing in the Listed Canberra Guineas behind Rom Baro.

An eye catcher in the Country Championship Qualifier at Goulburn prior to a break, Vella said he is pleased with her progression off a break.

"She did take a little while to come to hand this time in being a bit older, but she is coming along nicely and I'm happy with where she is at," Vella said.

"Her form was very good last preparation, she measured right up in good company and I don't think she will show her best until she gets up over a mile.

Unbeaten in three previous first up attempts, Vella felt American Time was forward enough to repeat the dose in the third event at Thoroughbred Park on Friday.

"She's had a couple of jump-outs which were pretty good and I think she is forward enough to sprint well fresh," Vella said.

"As I've discussed with her owners if we go to Sydney it's going to be wet and if we go anywhere else its likely to be wet.

"By kicking her off at Canberra it means we don't have to travel with her and she obviously has performed well there in the past."

Leading jockey Jay Ford continues his association with the three-year-old and by all reports is looking forward to her upcoming preparation.

"He [Jay Ford] has been looking forward to getting back on her, he usually gives me a ring or if I see him at the races he always asks about how she is going," Vella said.

Although yet to have any races penciled in beyond Friday, Vella said his main goal is to keep American Time happy and let her dictate which way they head with her.

"We haven't got anything penciled in for her just yet, obviously we'd like to head to town with her, but we'll just have to wait and see," Vella said.

"At this stage we just plan to slowly build her up and ultimately keep her happy."

Noted speedsters Chief Of The Clan, Chelsea Hotel and Chasing Charlie should ensure the race is run at a good solid tempo, a key factor expected to play right into American Time's hands.

"She often gives you a heart attack, almost all of her wins she's left it until the last 100m before hitting the front," Vella said.

"I'm quite happy with her progress and if she gets the race run to suit, which I think she will, she should be working home strongly late."