Trainer Gary Bowen can’t hide his admiration for former Perth galloper, Butterfly Kiss.
The four-year-old entered Bowens’ stable earlier in the year and caught the eye with an impressive Kalgoorlie maiden win two weeks ago.
First up after a five month spell and without a trial, Butterfly Kiss, burst through the pack to defeat Zaba Zaba Doo by a neck.
Bowen is hoping for a repeat performance when Butterfly Kiss tackles the John Tieri Bookmaking Handicap (1200m) on Sunday.
“The way she had been working I was confident she would run a forward race,” said Bowen.
“It was the right race at the right time.
“What I like about her is her attitude and how she gives you 100 per cent all the time.
“She is a real little trier who doesn’t leave you guessing.”
Butterfly Kiss will confront a field of 12 rivals that features the anticipated return of Just A Falcon and stable mate Bomber Bel.
Just A Falcon hasn’t raced since Ascot in December and warmed up for his comeback with a dominant five length trial win.
Bowen says Bomber Bel is close to victory and ready to break through after two close seconds when beaten a head and long neck respectively.
“You can mount an argument he has been unlucky,” said Bowen.
“He probably hasn’t lived up to his reputation just yet.
“But both my horses are working well and I really can’t split them.
“It all depends on who gets the best luck in running.”
Bomber Bel has drawn barrier eight for Mark Forder. In form apprentice Jordan Turner pilots Butterfly Kiss from gate nine.
Bowen is banking on a weight drop to spark Arsenal Power back into winning form in the Doug Milne & Frosty Martin MRFC Sprint (1100m).
Arsenal Power’s first two runs under Bowen’s stewardship were hard to fault with a win and a close second, but his form has since tapered off.
The Lohnro gelding, previously with Ross and Clint Price in Bunbury, ran fourth to Zee Dribbler and last-start faded to sixth behind King Closet.
“It’s a steep rise in class but I think at the weights he has each way claims,” said Bowen.
“His recent form is better than what it reads on paper.
“This is his pet distance and I think he has a silly chance.”
Arsenal Power, who drops 4 ½ kg to 52kg with the claim of Turner, has drawn pole position.
RWWA: Julio Santarelli