Locally trained Nasha Riva will contest the feature race, the 1600m Ray White Greerton Handicap, in Tauranga on Friday.
Fresh from success in winning the Thames Cup in Te Aroha 12 days ago, the 5-year-old mare will be looking to continue her good form on her home track.
To date Nasha Riva has recorded five wins, four of those at the Tauranga track.
Trainer Jim Pender has engaged the services of jockey Maso Hashizume who will claim 2kg meaning she will carry just 52kg, 10kg lighter than the topweight Go Nicholas.
Pender has already declared his intention to race her in the Auckland Cup in March so this race is the first in her preparation to step up in distance. Competition in the race though is strong, with the likes of Go Nicholas, Vichy and the Stephen Marsh trained Lincoln King.