The former New Zealand mare has won five of her eight starts, plus a second, since joining David Kennedy's team.

Both of her unplaced efforts have been at Melton, including a last-start sixth, however the Euroley reinsman was pleased with her performance.

"She will be very hard to beat," Painting said. "We were super happy with her, but she just had no luck.

"Her sectionals were off the map really - she got home in 55 and a bit and 26.8 so you can't go much quicker than that.

"Especially after burning off the gate."

Georgie Martin has drawn five in the Ole Black Joe Memorial (2170m).

Among her rivals in another former New Zealand mare Miss Fandago who made it a hat-trick of wins at Wagga last week.

There is plenty of other winning form, but Painting is undeterred

"Nothing in the race scares me," he said.

"There is a little bit extra prizemoney so it has attracted a little bit more of a stronger field, which you expect.

"Miss Fandango has been pretty impressive in her last two at Wagga but my mare is probably down in grade a fair bit from Melton.

"If she had of got to the front I don't think they would have beaten her.

"She just wasn't quite quick enough to get across them."

Painting has one other drive across the six-race card aboard Mister Rebel for Terry Powter.

While the second line draw doesn't suit his normal racing pattern, Painting expects he will still be near the mark.

"He always tries 110 per cent that little horse," he said.

"He is definitely better in front, but he will track through from the second row ok there and hopefully he can run into the money late."

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