Jockey Shaun O’Donnell remains confident if Spy Scandal can get across from a wide draw he will pose a serious threat at Northam on Thursday.
O’Donnell led on Spy Scandal at Northam last fortnight and the four-year-old stuck on well when narrowly edged out for third.
It was an improved performance from the son of Scandal Keeper who ran seventh off 12 when on debut at the same track in June.
The Keri D’Orsogna-trained gelding has drawn barrier 10 of 11 in the Stella Apartments Maiden (1000m).
“It was an enormous run and great courage from the little fella,” said O’Donnell on Tabradio.
“This is his third start and each time he has drawn wide.
“If I can get across and get a nice run I’m hoping he can breakthrough.
“Bangkok Express is always thereabouts.”
Bangkok Express, who with five placings from nine starts is earning a bridesmaids tag, gets the perfect jump from barrier one.
Apprentice jockey Brayden Gaerth, who claimed his maiden city win on War Prince at Belmont last Saturday, maintains the ride.
Meanwhile, O’Donnell maintains there is improvement to come from Fortius Quo in the Stadium Maiden (1600m).
The Redoute’s Choice three-year-old, winless from nine attempts, is coming off a last-start fifth to Le Schiller at Pinjarra.
“It was a fair run but he did not handle the track at all,” said O’Donnell.
“Northam will be a little damp but it’s a bit firmer than Pinjarra at the moment.
“I expect a forward showing from this bloke.”
O’Donnell admits he was surprised to pick up the Fair Achiever mount but is relishing his first opportunity on the mare.
Fair Achiever, who defeated Torridale at Pinjarra before being turned out, ran second in a 950m Lark Hill trial last week.
“I’m surprised Graeme (Ballantyne) rang me for this ride and I was happy to take it,” said O’Donnell.
“Her form is very good and I’m looking forward to it.”
William Pike, who rode Fair Achiever to victory at Pinjarra in March, has stuck with in-form galloper Nightingale Road.
Pike and the Bel Esprit mare, prepared by Duane Kitchingham, are chasing their third consecutive win at Northam this season.
Fair Achiever has drawn favourably in five; Nightingale will jump from barrier eight in the CMS Engineering Handicap (1000m).