Bill and Sandra Duell, of Mosgiel, have Passito with North Taieri trainer Steven Prince and the 3yr-old filly's debut third at Omakau last month suggests a maiden win is not far away.
‘‘She's a pretty good filly in the wash-up,'' Prince said.
‘‘She would have learned a lot from Omakau and she's got a ton of ability.''
The second foal from O'Reilly mare O'Ruby was less than a length from Robin Charles and Kruger Rand at Omakau, and should be handy from her cosy barrier draw in race 3.
‘‘She'll be in behind the leaders - she's got good barrier speed and she'll just plop in there from barrier 3. She should get a good run and acquit herself well.''
Prince has six runners on the 11-race card, including two - Commix and Ivanskavinskyskvar - in the final race, the rating 65 1800m.
Prince found it hard to split the pair.
Commix is fresh-up after a win over 2000m at Omakau, and Ivanskavinskyskvar was second over the same distance behind Keynote at the same meeting, with Keynote franking that form with a win at Wingatui on Saturday.
Prince had been waiting to get Commix over more ground and was pleased the plan paid off, although he expects a big performance from Ivanskavinskyskvar as well.
‘‘Ivan is very well and 1800m will suit him just as good as 2000m. They'll tag along behind each other probably, but he's going to be the hardest for Commix to beat.''
The Lion Queen (race 2) steps up to a 2600m staying test after racing between 2000m and 2200m over her past three starts.
The extra distance should suit the mare's grinding style, and her sixth at Omakau last month was not without an excuse.
‘‘I was a wee bit disappointed but not over the top, but we got her scoped and there was a wee bit of a throat infection, but she's all good now,'' he said.
‘‘The 2600m will suit her, as she just keeps going the one speed. She gets back a bit anyway, but she doesn't over-race or anything, so she'll just lob along midfield.''
Cher Magic (race 6) has begun her career with two fifths, but Prince hopes the addition of side winkers could help switch the filly on.
‘‘She's another filly with a bit of ability. We'll put the ‘‘sideys'' on tomorrow, and she's a bit of a chance.
‘‘She's just a wee bit dumb yet but the penny will drop one day and the ‘‘sideys'' will help her focus a wee bit more.''
Odi Et Amo is on debut in a 2yr-old and up 1200m after showing enough at recent jumpout assignments to suggest he will be competitive.
‘‘I was going to take him to Omakau but he wasn't named,'' Prince said.
‘‘He does everything right - he doesn't have a bad barrier draw and his work has been good. I think he'll get over a bit of a trip one day.''
