Cuddlesome has been a revelation this campaign but trainer Les Ross admits he has reservations about her extending a winning sequence at Eagle Farm on Saturday.
Cuddlesome is the firm $2.15 favourite to make it five wins in a row but Ross believes her short quote is unjustified.
"Realistically she's a Class Four horse in open company against some fit and seasoned older mares," Ross said.
"I'm hoping she can win again but it's her toughest assignment so far and she's overdue to put in a bad one."
Cuddlesome has progressed from winning a Maiden race at Eagle Farm on August 15 to winning in Class Six company in less than six weeks.
"It wasn't that long ago she was going around in Maiden company but the good thing is when the bar has been raised she's been able to jump it," Ross said.
"I still think it's a big ask for her to win five in a row. Not many can do it apart from Black Caviar."
Ross consulted with owners Mike and Patty Crooks and jockey Brad Stewart before giving the go-ahead to back up from her impressive Eagle Farm win last Saturday.
"Brad thought this was an ideal race for her so we've decided to roll the dice again but win lose or draw she'll more than likely be in the paddock after the weekend."
Ross is keen to freshen Cuddlesome and take her to Sydney later next month with a small team of horses to chase better prizemoney.
"The weather up here will be hot and the good horses will either be in Melbourne or in the paddock so I'm hoping it will be the right time to head south," Ross said.
Ross returned to the training ranks earlier this year after handing in his licence in 2008 when he became disillusioned with the industry.
"At one stage I had 66 horses on the books but I'd never go back to that number. I'd prefer to keep it down to around the 20 mark," he said.
Since renewing his trainers' licence, Ross has trained nine winners from only 23 starters since the start of the season.
AAP TU