Following three outings back from a break, Lingani appears primed to hit peak condition at Oakbank.

Navigating the challenging Oakbank track demands prior knowledge.

Although Lingani hasn’t competed there yet at the Adelaide Hills venue, her training team, the married couple Peter and Belinda Blanch, believe it poses no issues as the mare prepares for the Listed Railway Stakes (1100m) this Saturday.

The mare has performed well in trials at Oakbank, securing victory in both of her prior efforts, and Belinda Blanch noted that Lingani is set to find top form.

Saturday marks the fourth start for Lingani this preparation, with Blanch commenting that the mare has been performing solidly throughout the campaign despite lacking fortune.

In her latest effort, Lingani placed seventh in the Listed Manihi Stakes (1100m) held at Morphettville on March 9.

“She needed a couple of runs to get going as she’s a bit older and a bit bigger now after a decent spell,” Blanch said.

“Her last start was much better than it looked. She got in all sorts of trouble when she was held up from the entrance to the straight to the 100-metre mark.

“She went looking for four or five runs and everything kept closing up on her.

“From my point of view, watching it live, she was full of running and wanted to be there, in the zone, but couldn’t get the run through.

“When she did get clear, she couldn’t pick herself up, she needed time to wind up.

“We put her out for a week after that to give her a freshen up with the plan then to go to the Railway Stakes.”

To ensure Lingani’s condition is optimal for the Saturday feature, she trialled at Strathalbyn last week and emerged victorious.

“It was raining when I got there, which was great, because she loves it, and she trialled really well,” Blanch said.

“Any rain (on Saturday) would be great. Peter and Belinda Blanch

“She’s won a couple of trials at Oakbank and if they can handle that hill, then that’s half the battle.”

Peter and Belinda Blanch plan to also bring Lingani’s younger half-sister Boolcunda Dawn to Oakbank for Saturday’s opener, The Shillabeer (1400m).

Boolcunda Dawn triumphed over the same track and distance on March 18 in her last appearance.

“She won there last start and we’re hoping she can go close again,” Blanch said.

“She’s also a big horse and has taken a bit of time to mature and come into her own and we think there are better things in store for her.”

Explore the Australian betting sites for the best racing odds ahead of the Listed Railway Stakes at Oakbank.