Stablemate Allez Eagle, better suited by the slow conditions, was just nosed out in the Railway.
"This time he has a shocking barrier [No18 without the emergencies], but it is down the Trentham dogleg, so he's going to get his chance and shouldn't be far away." It's time for southern sprinter Soubrettes to step up to the plate in the Telegraph.
That's the opinion of co-trainer Mandy Brown.
Soubrettes is a slow learner with a light frame, somewhat typical of the High Chaparrals, and Brown and husband and training partner Matt have shown rare patience in nursing the mare through - just nine career starts for five wins. She has had just three starts since last year's fifth in the Telegraph. "She's five and she can step up," says Mandy Brown.
Soubrettes could finish only seventh in Riccarton's Stewards last start, but Brown is unconcerned.
"She was taken on in front in that race, didn't settle and she'd have been a lot better if she'd been in behind a couple of runners," says Mandy Brown. Soubrettes will be tried in blinkers for the first time, something that can make horses race keenly initially, but the Browns are hoping Soubrettes will trail this time.
At her best Soubrettes is good enough to test this field and Mandy Brown has confidence.
"I feel she's better than she was this time a year ago, she's more mature physically and mentally." Ryan Mark goes up 2kg to 58kg for his Railway win at Ellerslie, which was somewhat aided by rain on the day, something he is unlikely to encounter this time around.
Any easing will be welcomed and yesterday's forecast suggested a possibility of a couple of light showers tomorrow (Saturday) morning.
Capital tips
Best each way: Natuzzi, R8, Trentham: Great third in the Railway when committed to an unsuitable inside passage. Trentham suits better and he's done well since Ellerslie.
Firm track this time: Victor Hugo, R7, Trentham: Upset by the slow track at Ellerslie Jan 1. Won three straight before that and Trentham will suit his style.
The 2100m will suit: Rasa Lila, R4, Trentham: Found the 1600m too short behind Hasselhoof at Ellerslie and this track and distance suit.