John Sargent is hoping his trans-Tasman stable can end the week in better shape than it began as he prepares Cathay Lady to finish her year in the same manner as 2012.

Sargent lost VRC Oaks winner Kirramosa for the autumn when a bone chip was discovered not long after her return to his Randwick stable.

Kirramosa has since had the chip removed in what Sargent says was a straightforward veterinary procedure.

"She must have done it in the Oaks," Sargent said.

"The vet took the chip out on Monday and he said it was clean and there was no wear and tear.

"It was a half an hour operation, just minor and she was up fit and well afterwards.

"She'll be boxed for a month then she'll have a month in a small yard and then she can go on the water walker but it will put us out of the autumn."

Sargent has high hopes talented mare Cathay Lady can emulate her win at the corresponding Sydney meeting last year when she contests the December Handicap at Canterbury on Saturday.

Cathay Lady is a course specialist, winning three times over the 1550-metre distance and Sargent expects a return to her favourite track to boost her chances of delivering the mare's first win since she claimed the Belle Of The Turf Stakes at Gosford in January.

Her best result since the Listed win has been a minor placing in the Emancipation Stakes but Sargent thinks she is getting close to her right form again after a last-start Goulburn Cup placing.

"She loves it around Canterbury and I would expect her to run a good race again before heading to the Belle Of The Turf again," he said.

But Sargent says the in-form Hawkes Racing galloper Messene will be a major stumbling block to his mare's chances of improving her Canterbury record.

"Messene looks a good horse and looks the one to beat," he said.

Cathay Lady is an $8.50 chance with Messene dominating the early market at $2.

Messene resumed after a seven-month spell to win on the Kensington track at Randwick on December 7, taking his record to six victories in nine starts.