When it comes to a racing pedigree, there aren't many bloodlines more famous than the ones carried by Karata and Heez Notorious at Moonee Valley on Saturday.

As a daughter and grandson respectively, the Nigel Blackiston-trained stablemates Karata and Heez Notorious possess the blood of the champion racemare Let's Elope.

Blackiston has strong links with Let's Elope because he was the stable foreman for Bart Cummings who trained the mare to the majority of her 11 wins as she collected $3 million prize money.

And Blackiston has enjoyed spring success with another one of her relations as Let's Make Adeal, a granddaughter, was placed in two Group Three staying races.

But so far Karata, who started her racing career in May last year, has shown only glimpses of the qualities which helped Let's Elope to four Group One wins, including the 1991 Melbourne and Caulfield Cups.

She steps up to 3000m in the Art Series Hotel Group Handicap with her only win from 14 starts coming in a 2200m race at Seymour in January.

Heez Notorious ($21), runs in a 2040m handicap later in the day.

Karata has been wearing a tongue tie and cross-over noseband since she choked down at Bendigo in September when she finished last of 13 runners.

"She's been wearing them the last couple of races and she has done really well," Blackiston said.

"She's shown nice staying stamina and hopefully she will handle the 3000-metre distance.

This will be her second outing at Moonee Valley and in metropolitan company, and although she has drawn wide, Blackiston is hoping the mare can acquit herself well.

"Her older brother Outback Joe only started improving as a six-year-old," he said.

"He had a great preparation last time and I hope she will be similar."

Blackiston says he will get a better idea of the big-striding mare's capabilities after the race.

He's also hoping for a dry track.

He says Let's Elope couldn't run a yard if there was a puddle of water on the course and Karata is the same.

Karata is a $21 chance behind the $4.50 equal favourites, the Chris Waller-trained Thubiaan and Jumpin Jack Cash from the Patrick Payne stable.