Fillies and mares are the backbone of Matthew Smith's stable and Cabernet and Slow The Flow will be his flag bearers on Saturday.

Cabernet runs in the Group Two Villiers Stakes (1600m) while Slow The Flow returns to racing after a long break in the Listed Razor Sharp Handicap (1200m).

Traditionally held at Randwick, the Villiers meeting has been moved to Warwick Farm, Smith's home track, while renovations continue at Sydney's premier track.

The winner of the Listed Summoned Stakes (1500m) at Sandown last month, Cabernet was a close fifth in the Villiers lead-up, the Festival Stakes (1500m) on December 8.

Slow The Flow is a dual Group Three placegetter who ran fourth in the 2010 Group One Flight Stakes won by Secret Admirer.

She hasn't raced since her third in the Mannerism Stakes in February with niggling injuries keeping her off the scene until now.

"Cabernet is in good shape and I thought her last run was good," Smith said.

"This will be her last run of the campaign and we will look to the major mares races for her in the autumn.

"I think she's good enough for races like the Coolmore Classic and the Queen of the Turf."

There were 21 entries for the Villiers including 2011 winner Monton while 12 have been nominated for the feature sprint.

Festival Stakes winner Malavio is missing from the Villiers after scans detected arthritic changes in a knee and connections decided to rest him.

Smith is not expecting Slow The Flow to win but is expecting her to be competitive.

"She had a long time off with just little things going wrong," he said.

"Nothing major but enough to give her a long spell.

"She's fit and well now and is a genuine black-type mare who might take a run or two but has plenty of ability."

Hugh Bowman rides Cabernet while Christian Reith will be aboard Slow The Flow.

Hurtle Myrtle gave Smith his biggest win so far in the 2011 Group One Myer Classic and he has concentrated on buying quality fillies at the sales.

"I would love to have colts but we are buying on a budget and they are expensive and not as easy to train," he said.

"There are lovely fillies to be had which are not as expensive and there are good races for them to win."