Connections of Awesome Wonder are facing the challenge of an outside barrier in a 16-horse field at Gosford, but they’re pressing on with a bigger picture in mind.

Co-trainer Tom Charlton, alongside John O’Shea, decided to run the mare in Saturday’s Tooheys Benchmark 78 Handicap (2100m) despite the unfavourable draw, especially after withdrawing her from Hawkesbury last week due to heavy track conditions.

“We held her back a week from Hawkesbury looking for a better track,” Charlton said. “There is nothing at Scone for her next week, so our hands might be a bit forced.”

Awesome Wonder, a daughter of Galileo out of Group 1 winner Nechita, showed she was close to stakes grade when finishing fifth in the Listed Tattersall’s Gold Crown (2143m) at Eagle Farm last June.

Retired to stud last year, she failed to get into foal, leading to her return to racing. After a solid midfield finish over 1600m at Warwick Farm last month, Charlton is hopeful of securing another black-type opportunity before she eventually returns to the broodmare barn.

“She is back and racing well,” Charlton said. “It’s not out of the realms of possibility she could pick up a nice race this campaign.”

Awesome Wonder will be joined at Gosford by Queensland Derby hopeful Hurstville Zagreb, who contests the Polvin Fencing Systems Handicap (1600m).