The Wagga trainer will saddle up Demanding Mo in the TAB Highway Handicap (1400m) at Randwick's Kesington track on Saturday, where the five-year-old gelding will look to back up his win at Wagga on Christmas Eve.

Jockey Jeff Penza found his preferred cover just off the speed before holding on for a third career victory, and Byatt feels a repeat of that form will be competitive in Sydney.

"I think the horse is a good genuine chance, we're not going up there just thinking we'll make up the numbers," he said.

"His win at Wagga was a good, solid run. Before that he raced in that Benchmark 66 a couple of weeks before at Albury (third), which was probably a bit out of his grade and he was only beaten a neck."

"From barrier six (on Saturday) he should get a good run from there. If he can get to fourth or fifth, one off the fence it'd be nice.

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"He has to get cover, if he gets to the front too early he doesn't appear to run on. But if you can keep him covered up until the last 300 or so, he's got a good turn of foot."

Byatt was out of action for ten weeks after a horse reared on top of him and broke his ankle, and returned about a month ago.

While strapper Bob Jessep has been of constant assistance, Byatt sent Lennox Road to fellow Wagga trainer Russell Steiner's stable when injured, and he duly saluted at Wagga's Boxing Day meeting.

Willybeafactor, who won three straight for Byatt midway through last year, is now at George Dimitropoulos' stable, while two-time winner Oh No Mikki is now with Canberra trainer Keith Dryden.

Byatt acquired Demanding Mo from Kembla Grange trainer Theresa Bateup in November. He ran sixth at Wagga on December 6, improved significantly for his close-up third at Albury before securing a third career win at Wagga.

"He got worked up a fair bit when I first got him, the horse didn't know me and I didn't know him," Byatt said.

"I think they (Bateup stable) were swimming him quite a bit as far as I know. I've cut down on that and put a bit more work into his legs on the track I think.

"He was overracing all the time, he does pull a bit and is a pretty strong little horse. But since I've been back (from injury) he's been going pretty good.

"If he travels up to Sydney OK and runs up to his run at Wagga, I think he'll be competitive. It's not the hardest Highway I've ever seen."

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