Ascot trainer Fenella Martin had a day to remember last fortnight when she claimed her maiden Kalgoorlie win at her very first start.
Riverbank Frank landed the honours when he led from the outset before holding out the fast-finishing run of Carla by a long-head.
Fenella said the Key Business gelding had thrived since the win and was expecting another solid performance in Sunday’s Golden City Motors Stayers Series Heat (1760m).
“I’m thrilled with the way he has come through the run and think it has actually tightened him up,” said Fenella.
“He has drawn well and I rate him a great lightweight hope.”
Riverbank Frank will jump from barrier two and drops from 56.5kg to 52kg with the claim of talented apprentice Ellie Cockram.
The Factor has been unplaced in three starts this campaign but Fenella was buoyed by his performance against a handy group of rivals at Belmont Park last week.
The Blackfriars four-year-old was trapped wide throughout but did well to stick on and be placed sixth and 3 ½ lengths from Secret Ruler who edged out Big Clint and Duel City.
The Factor and Ellie Cockram have drawn barrier eight in the Boulder Parts & Towing Handicap (1100m).
“The key to this horse is how well he settles and if he does I am confident of a solid effort,” said Martin.
“He has the speed to overcome his wide gate and has improved since his last run.”
Magic Digit resumes from gate four in the Goldfields Printing Handicap (1300m) after undergoing a throat operation at the end of her last campaign.
The Lord Dane mare hasn’t been seen since earlier in January when she finished towards the tail of the field at Narrogin and warmed up for her return with a trial second at Lark Hill.
“Nicely drawn, nicely weighted and she does race well fresh,” said Martin.
Look for improvement from Perth galloper Pattie Me Lass who will contest the Mayoral Cup (1400m) in a bid to strike wining form.
The three-year-old is chasing her first win this preparation after two Belmont thirds and a last-start seventh to Black Uma when she was trapped wide throughout.
“She has been a little disappointing but this looks a suitable race and hopefully she can get some confidence back,” said trainer Dennis Ramsay.
“Kyra Yuill goes back on which is a plus, she has a nice alley in three and gets some handy weight relief.”