Antarctic Dream has two significant factors against her at Eagle Farm on Saturday but her jockey Tim Bell is confident they aren't insurmountable.

The filly will be conceding weight to her male rivals in the Timeform Handicap (1600m) and will also have to overcome the outside alley although that task has been made slightly easier against only six other runners.

"She's a quality filly and has the form on the board whereas a few of the other runners are stepping up from easier grade," Bell said.

"If she turns up in 100 per cent mint condition, and there's no reason to think she won't, then I can't see anything beating her.

"It's a very winnable race for her."

Bell believes Antarctic Dream is adaptable enough to cope with whatever pace is generated in the small field.

"If the pace is on up front I can sit back off them but if they look like dawdling she can take up a more forward position," he said.

While Bell has another attractive book of rides at Eagle Farm including an old favourite, Ollie Vollie, he is about to embark on another chapter in his career.

The challenge of competing against the nation's best riders in Melbourne during the spring carnival is behind Bell's decision to leave his Queensland comfort zone.

"I've had a very successful career in Brisbane, especially during the past 18 months, but I'd like to see if I can mix it with the big boys in Melbourne," he said.

"Last year I was fortunate enough to ride at Flemington on Derby day and Cup day and the atmosphere was astonishing.

"I think it's the goal of any young rider to be in action at those carnivals and hopefully I can prove myself at that level."

Bell, 19, has ridden more than 300 winners since he began riding in northern New South Wales just shy of his 15th birthday when he was indentured to trainer Sue Grills.

"My first ride was at Inverell when I finished fourth and it was also the venue for my first winner Tennessee Moonlite at my fifth race ride," he said.

Bell hasn't completely closed the door on a return to Queensland in the future, but says he is committed to making a successful transition to the Melbourne riding ranks after he arrives on Monday night.