Geoff and Jude Knight are not waving the white flag just yet in defence of their winter claiming series title at Forbury Park tonight.
The Knights, of Roxburgh, have prepared the last three winners of the series finals - starting with Little Joe in 2012 before Hi Gun went back-to-back in 2013 and 2014.
But the arrival of Machie Mach and - more recently - Highview Anwell on the scene has upped the challenge for the Knights' trio of Lionels Meddle, Jerry Fitz and Franco Caliph.
Highview Anwell, in particular, has looked a cut above his rivals since he entered the claiming grade at Gore two weeks ago.
But Geoff Knight hopes Lionels Meddle could bounce back to provide them with their fourth straight series win despite a sixth placing last week.
''We're not ready to give it up,'' he said.
''Lionel had a bit of a cold last week. The other horse was obviously way too good, anyway, but he had a wee excuse.
''We've treated him this week, and hopefully we can turn the tables, but it will be a good race, even though there's only seven of them.''
But the Dexter Dunn-driven Highview Anwell still looms as the one to beat, despite ending up with the widest draw due to the preferential barrier draw system.
He has shown enough depth to work round to the parked spot in his last two starts, and Knight expects more of the same tonight.
Lionels Meddle is the best of the three Knights' chances, and last week was his first real aberration this campaign, but Franco Caliph and Jerry Fitz could both feature with the right run, Knight added.
The best of the rest for the Knights is Jaccka Emberz, who will start in race 10 under the ownership of Charlie Smaill after the goHarness Forbury Fun syndicate failed to get off the ground.
''He's ready to go a bold race - I think he's our best chance of the night,'' Knight said.
''He's working really well and in what is not an overly strong field, and with Billy The Bus drawn 2, he should possie up handy.''
Fiery Ferret (race 5) could be in with a sniff for multiples, despite only having two starts under his belt.
''He's a little fella who doesn't know much about the racing game, but he's very tractable, he's got good manners, a good gait and we expect a good forward showing from him.''
Duchesse De L'Amour will be driven by Brent Barclay, with regular driver Matthew Williamson committed to his father, Phil's, team, and Knight feels her high speed will be an asset if her manners are on show, while Smokin Barrels (race 1) is a work in progress.
Arizona Pete (race 11) rounds out another busy evening for the Knights, and Geoff Knight feels he may have strengthened up since he last raced in December.
''He may just need the run, but he's as forward as we can get him without a trial or workout and he has performed well fresh.''
