Trainer Matt Laurie knows Treasurethe Moment faces a serious challenge when she resumes in the Memsie Stakes at Caulfield.
The mare has won nine of her 11 starts, including eight straight, but Saturday’s 1400m Group 1 will be her first against older rivals.
Laurie drew encouragement from Aeliana’s effort against Via Sistina in the Winx Stakes (1400m) last weekend.
“We feel she’s come back really well,” Laurie said.
“She’s here and she’s ready, but I’m still mindful that she is not four until November, so she’s very much racing as a three-year-old filly.”
The trainer admitted a wet track could blunt her turn of foot. “She’s got that skimming action and can quicken up really well, whereas a softer surface can take that away from a horse.”
Laurie has mapped a path through the Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m) and Turnbull Stakes (2000m) before a decision between the Cox Plate or Caulfield Cup.
A field of 11 has accepted, with Treasurethe Moment to jump from barrier one under Damian Lane.