If Shining Time can repeat anything resembling her last-start run she will be hard to beat in the Mark Bayliss Handicap (1100m) at Bunbury on Thursday.
Those sentiments are shared by trainer Ben Pearce after the Helenus mare bungled the start at Northam before powering home for an eye-catching third.
Shining Knight lost as much as six lengths on jumping but pierced her way through the field and ran the fastest final 600m in 33.62sec.
“If she can reproduce that effort she will be very hard to beat,” said Pearce.
“She has come on since the run and appears happy in herself.
“There is no denying her ability but she does have her issues.”
Pearce refers to Shining Knight’s reputation as a barrier rogue.
It has caused owner Adam Fairey and previous trainer, Graham Yuill, no end of frustration.
The six-year-old has been restricted to five starts and posted one win and a placing before transferring to Pearce.
The Lark Hill trainer, who is experiencing a good patch of form with his team in recent weeks, is quietly confident he has found the key to Shining Knight.
“I usually find if a horse is acting in a particular manner there is generally a good reason and it’s a matter of finding it,” said Pearce.
“I found some heat in her knees and I’m hoping that’s all it is.”
Shining Knight has drawn barrier six for Alan Kennedy, who replaces Peter Hall.
“She is can be an intimidating horse to ride,” said Pearce.
“Alan rides her in work and knows her better than anyone.”
Pearce and Kennedy combine with When in Roan who is looking to break the shackles in the Viv Henderson Maiden (1690m).
The Due Sasso gelding returned from a spell and ran on well for fifth when 2 ½ lengths from Woolibar at Ascot last month.
“It was a good run as he was a little unlucky in the straight,” said Pearce.
“He will run a competitive race.”
Meanwhile Pearce says Vampi Lass will target the fillies and mares series at the Ascot carnival.
He made the assessment after the Bletchley Park mare overpowered Cadenza at Ascot on Melbourne Cup day.
“I think she is on the right path and will be more than competitive,” said Pearce.
“She has recovered well and worked terrifically on Tuesday.”
The opening leg of the fillies and mares series, the Listed Jungle Miss Classic (1200m), will be run at Ascot on November 22.