Ketchiben won the race last year by a length with 53.5kg in the hands of Ryan Bishop.
The in-form Chris Johnson has the mount on Saturday when Ketchiben has 56.5kg.
The 7yr-old ran third fresh up to Coup Align and Vonusti in the Pegasus Handicap (1000m) at Riccarton on November 7, but has been unplaced in two subsequent starts.
"He has been holding his breath and that is why I have put the tongue tie back on.
He has galloped OK the last couple of days with it," Daniel Champion, his Ashburton trainer, said.
"He had a tongue tie earlier in his career and then I changed him to a Norton bit.
"I have him back in a standard bit."
Champion said the side winkers could help Ketchiben concentrate.
"It is probably a mental thing with him being older. He has been freshened and Chris being a left-hander could help."
Johnson has not previously ridden the Senor Pete gelding who has won seven of his 31 starts.
Trainer Michael Pitman has opted to start Draconic in the Guineas Prelude in preference to a rating 80 1200m on Saturday.
"The barrier draw was a factor and he is better off against his own age group rather than older seasoned horses.
"He drew 10 in the other race," Pitman said.
Pitman was able to retain Centaine Spittles as the rider for Draconic.
She rode the Umatilla gelding to a last-start maiden win at Cromwell on November 29.
"He [Draconic] has a lot of raw ability.
"He is one of the better 3yr-olds I have had in recent years," Pitman said.
Our Genes is a top prospect for Pitman in race 6 on Saturday after a strong-finishing second at Gore on Sunday.
Pitman concluded arrangements yesterday for apprentice Amelia Denby to join his stable on loan from Jim Pender at Tauranga.
Denby, who has ridden five winners from 60 rides, has engagements at the Timaru meeting on Monday.
"She can ride at 52.5kg and is down here at least until the end of January," he said.
Pow Wow Jane has another chance to show her staying worth in a rating 85 2200m race at Wingatui on Saturday.
The Flying Spur mare has wins over 2100m at Washdyke and 2000m at Cromwell and a second equal over 2000m at Riccarton in her last three starts.
Trainers John and Karen Parsons have found the key to Pow Wow Jane after she was unplaced in her first four starts from their Balcairn stable this season.
Pow Wow Jane won over 2200m (maiden) at Ellerslie and 2100m at Avondale when trained at Te Awamutu by Robert Priscott.
