Supporters of Dan Morton’s Snuff Gruffles would be left exasperated by her recent performances.
The Testa Rossa mare has been a difficult horse to catch since she scored a top 1200m win over Fireside on June 6.
The grey has teased and tantalised with three second placings from five appearances including an agonising defeat last fortnight.
Snuff Gruffles, who was stepping up to the mile for the first time in 17 career outings, stormed home from near last but failed to grab El Rijes by a neck margin.
Despite her recent bridesmaid status you can’t leave her of calculations when she continues her current campaign on Sunday.
Rival trainer Joann DeMasson won’t be taking her lightly and believes she is the horse to beat in the P.Fernie Oh What A Trainer Handicap (1760m).
DeMasson saddles The Feral, who will attract his own share of admirers after scoring two wins and two placings from four starts this campaign.
On August 12 over 1600m, The Feral dashed home from fourth position before drawing away to defeat Secret Ceremony by a half-length.
“I was really pleased by the win as it eliminated any concerns about him running out a strong mile,” said DeMasson.
“There was a nagging doubt in the back of my mind after he failed at his one previous go at the distance.
“He has been a pleasant surprise this campaign and keeps on improving with each run.
“I think he has more to give and his work during the week was as good as it has been.
“If Russell (Hanson) can sit off them like last time he will be figuring in the finish.”
It may pay to forgive Flying Foray who performed below expectations when she tailed off to finish near last and eight lengths from Massivo a week ago.
The Flying Spur mare, prepared by Dan Morton, did a lot of things wrongs and returned with a slightly elevated heart rate.
Go on her first up run from a spell when second to Joyeux and if she can repeat that run she looms a top chance to atone in the Goldfields Kia Handicap (1100m).
Stable mate Keg Mouse, placed third in two lead in trials, is set to resume in the Goldfields Great Wall Maiden (1300m).
The Danehill Express filly, perfectly drawn in barrier one for Kyra Yuill, displayed good form against smart juveniles at her first preparation in Perth earlier this year.
Keg Mouse ran second to stable mate Secret Scandal on debut and wasn’t disgraced when fifth to the highly rated Miss Solis in the Supremacy Stakes (1100m).