Premier Melbourne trainer Peter Moody admits that gaining an insight into the classy speedster Karuta Queen hasn't been a straightforward exercise.

But he is hoping he's learned enough about the new addition to his stable to have her ready to produce her best in Saturday's Bob Hoysted Handicap (1000m) at Flemington.

Moody had planned to give Karuta Queen her first start in his name in last weekend's Oakleigh Plate, but decided to give himself another week to get to know her better.

"When you have a horse for the first time you're just not sure about them," Moody said.

"She's not a sparkling worker by any means at home."

Moody's only knowledge of Karuta Queen had come from watching her toiling in the wake of his world champion Black Caviar.

In an effort to encourage her to show something on the training track, Moody applied blinkers last Tuesday, for little effect.

"I was just looking for that something extra but I didn't see it," he said.

"Maybe that's just her."

Moody isn't entirely despondent about the mare who won her first four starts as a two-year-old, including the Gold Coast Magic Millions.

He said Karuta Queen had given an indication that she may give more under race conditions than in track gallops.

"She was pressured in a trial the other morning and she found and won it nicely," he said.

Karuta Queen, who hasn't raced since being transferred from Neville Layt to Moody after a share in her was acquired by John Singleton, also holds a nomination for Saturday week's Newmarket Handicap (1200m).

She is one of 21 nominations for Saturday's Listed race, among them recent winners Avoid Lightning and Belfast Boy.