Two of Ferguson's four drives are first-starters, while the others look to be better suited sitting off the speed.
Thinking Smart (race 5) is Ferguson's best chance as she takes on fellow maiden fillies and mares over one mile (1609m).
Ferguson is not alone in wondering how the daughter of Mach Three has failed to clear maidens, after placing six times in eight starts.
The 4yr-old's last start was her worst run to date, but her previous driver, Dexter Dunn, told Ferguson there were excuses.
''I've been watching her go and I'm surprised she hasn't won one yet,'' Ferguson said.
''Dexter said last start she got a little upset after the false start. She can do that, but her racing has been pretty consistent.''
The scratching of Newmans Jet from barrier 1 should help Thinking Smart, as she now follows out Art Exhibit from barrier 2 on the second line.
Leolas Delight, who will start from barrier 1, should also help Thinking Smart's chances of securing a nice spot with 1200m to go.
''The one is probably a bit of a leader as well, so I might not get a bad run through and get handy.
''I'll get cover, stay handy and have one last shot at them.''
The first of Ferguson's debut runners is in race 2. He drives Bettor's Avenue, a half-brother to Third Avenue (3 wins), for Invercargill trainer Wayne Adams.
''He qualified OK and his workouts leading up have been OK,'' he said.
''He just lacks a little bit of experience, really, so it's going to be a little bit of wait and see how he handles race-day.''
Drawing the second line was preferable for the inexperienced 3yr-old and would give him time to settle, Ferguson said.
''In workouts and trials, he seems to be better coming from the back. We've tried him in front but he's not really much of a front-runner.
''He should go a good honest race and it will be a good chance from that draw to just follow them round and see where he's at.''
Whata Excuse (race 7) gets the ace draw of 1 on his debut, and Ferguson will be looking to give the 3yr-old a break during the running after two second placings at the trials last month.
''Obviously, it's a first starter so we'll have to see what happens, but he should be thereabouts.
''He went all right at the Wyndham trials, actually. He just sat back and ran home and got home OK.''
Ferguson also joins up with Secrets Out (race 8), although she had the misfortune of drawing outside the very smart Princess Arts and Royal Counsel.
''I drove her at Oamaru and probably drove her a wee bit hard, actually. She's better coming from back in the field and she went better last start.''
