The mare returned from a let-up and two wins at Ballina last preparation with a solid half-length second to Montanus, after coming from 10 barrier at Port on January 10.

"She ran a good race first-up and I expect her to go well at her lead-up race to the Queen Of The North," Morton said.

Wauchope trainer Bob Graham has opted to take a claim with Coffs Harbour apprentice jockey Michael Fitzgerald on his six-year-old gelding Brado's Boy which was third behind Wafer and Xaarmelody at Port last start.

At its previous start it came from 13 barrier, led and scored by nearly six lengths with much more weight in an easier race at Port on December 14.

"My horse has been in good from and has pulled up really well since its last run," said Graham of the former Perth galloper.

Light-weights must be given a chance in the race because many of them have been in good form of late.

Four-year-old Port gelding Mr Armstrong is out of its class but won't know itself in dropping to the limit from handicaps up to 60kgs .

Trainer Wayne Wilkes, fresh from a big win with King Shane at Newcastle on Saturday, its third win in a row, is adamant the 60kgs on his not so big gelding was the reason for its defeat when heavily backed first-up from a spell and fourth over 1000m at Taree on January 5.

Its only win was back on May 4, 2008, at the Sunshine Coast, it being lightly-raced with only five starts.

Port trainer Neil Godbolt's Brentis cannot be denied after finishing fourth behind stablemate Wafer at Port on January 8 as its best work was at the end of the 1200m and the extra 50m should suit.

Hodge believes his granddaughter has learnt a lesson since her first ride locally on Jestachenka, when third to Newborn (subsequently was second at Newcastle on Saturday) over 1100m at Port last meeting when her four kilos was used to reduce the horse's weight from 65kgs.

The weight relief this time brings the gelding into line for a finish, although Hodge would have preferred the race to be 1100m and not 1000m.

Still, Jestachenka showed abundant speed in a battle up front before weakening last start and this time she could get a cosy run behind the pace for her to pounce in the concluding stages.

There are some speed merchants in the race, one being Taree mare She Belongs To Us, trained by Michael Byers, which was sixth to Master Danny here last start when drawn wide.

Her best form is here over 1000m and a few starts back she failed narrowly to score in a similar race.

Recent winners include I Love Legs, trained at Port by Tas Morton, another Port galloper, Dismantle, trained by Neil Godbolt and Taree maiden winner Cranky Cat from the Newcastle stable of Steve Hodge.

Morton said I Love Legs, which will be ridden by Port jockey Danny Peisley, was primed to run a big race at Port's recent TAB meeting until rain cancelled the races. He again expects it to be hard to beat.

Also ready to show form are Tuncurry's Keepitreal, Gosford's Putheron and track winner Royal Alias in what will be a super race.