The 7yr-old is the equal second-oldest mare in the 1950m sprint, but is the least experienced in the field with just nine races under her belt.
But after her stunning win at Addington two weeks ago, the only option for Westwood Beach trainers Jonny Cox and Amber Hoffman was to toss her into the big time.
''The likes of Venus Serena, Helena Jet and Willow are going to be awfully hard to beat but if we can run in the first four or five, we'll definitely be happy,'' Cox said.
''She got the time [1.55.9 mile rate] last week, so a group placing would be very nice.''
The fast mile rate was earned through a sensational final 400m as she wove through the field.
Cox intends to adopt similar tactics tonight considering the considerable class rise that New Years Jay faces. Her barrier draw of 7 also played a part in his thinking.
''It's the draw we've been given, so that's what we've got to deal with.
''We'll just drive her the same as last week and hopefully with something similar to last week, we'll be right.
''Probably up in the grades she's probably not good enough to go forward and kick on - we'll drive her for one run at this stage and see how we fare against them. If she can handle it, maybe next time we'll go forward.''
Portobello trainer Steve Ashton is represented in the mares' championship by Better To Be Bad.
He was pleased with the handy barrier draw of 2 and the mare gets a chance to take on her rivals from an even mark for the first time since the Central Otago Trotting Cup.
Cox and Hoffman also line up Jaccka Justy in the group 3 Summer Trotting Free-For-All. The 8yr-old should enjoy a return to the scene of his greatest triumph, the Dominion Trot in November.
''He's got back to the beach and back to a track he likes. Hopefully, that's all he needs to run a good race,'' Cox said.
''Again, he's got a wide-ish draw so we'll go back and hope for a drag into it. Hopefully there will be pace all the way and we can finish over the top of them.''
Roxburgh trainers Geoff and Jude Knight opted against starting Al Raza in the mares' race after Geoff Knight realised she was eligible for the $23,500 Super Series final.
''I woke up in the middle of the night thinking `we might be eligible for that other race' so I got out of bed and had a look at the conditions,'' Knight said.
''It seemed a more logical step without taking on the big guns. It's $23,500 against $40,000 but it's no use racing for $40,000 if you can't get it.
''She's a big show in that race based on the way she won that race in Oamaru.''
