Inside barriers are normally considered an advantage at the 1600 metre start at Doomben but trainer Steve O'Dea doesn't regard it as a bonus for Fantisha.

Because there is a short run of only 200 metres to the first turn, horses starting from wide barriers are often at risk of being caught deep for the majority of the race.

Statistics show runners drawn barriers one to five have the greatest success rate from the 1600 metre starting point.

Fantisha will start from barrier two in the Rhino Water Tanks Handicap but O'Dea believes the filly's racing pattern means her alley is of no great benefit.

"She's the sort of horse that doesn't like being cluttered up and she needs to be rolling forward from the 600 metres," he said.

"Her performances are pretty much tempo related and it's essential for her to have the speed on up front.

"Hopefully from that gate she can get onto something's back and it can take her into the race but to be honest if she'd drawn out wide it wouldn't have been the worst thing in the world."

Fantisha was an unlucky second to Plumage at Doomben on February 2 but O'Dea says Saturday's field has more depth and represents an ever greater challenge.

"I think it's a harder race and I've got a lot of respect for Peron but I think if my filly gets her share of luck in running she'll be right in the mix," he said.

Beyond Saturday, O'Dea is looking to black-type winter carnival assignments for Fantisha.

"After this race she'll have a couple of weeks to freshen up then we'll give her the chance in some black type races," he said.

"She'll probably run in the Princess Stakes over a mile at Eagle Farm at the end of April then onto the Gold Coast Bracelet and Doomben Roses all going well and we can assess her after that."

O'Dea would prefer to swap Fantisha's barrier with stablemate Ring Me Ruby who has drawn gate 12.

"I would've preferred a good gate for Ring Me Ruby but I'd rate her a good each-way chance," he said.

"She was held up a couple of times last start and never got clear running for most of the straight."

O'Dea expects an improved performance from Cash `n' Style who will race in winkers for the first time in the Burton/Ryan Property Agent Handicap (1600m).