A promising first-up run has convinced trainer Simon Zahra bookmakers have got their market wrong for Saturday's Le Pine Funerals Plate at Sandown.

Zahra and training partner Mathew Ellerton will run Miss Maggiebeel and Theodora in the $80,000 race but the stable is surprised at the difference between their prices in pre-post betting.

Support on Friday afternoon pushed Miss Maggiebeel's price from $10 into $8.50 while Theodora is among the outsiders at $26.

Zahra says Theodora's quote is generous.

Theodora won once in six starts in her last preparation but began her winter campaign with a fast-finishing second to fellow Le Pine Funerals Plate (1600m) hopeful Fantome Gris on May 14.

Zahra said the slow speed of the race added merit to Theodora's performance but he expected a stronger pace to help the Sebring filly in her second-up assignment.

"Forget her last preparation. She showed first-up that she's a different horse now," Zahra said.

"There was no pace for her first-up and she ran home brilliantly off that slow tempo. It was a huge run."

Zahra's enthusiasm for Theodora's chances should not be taken to mean Miss Maggiebeel is incapable of beating the race favourites Lady Lakshmi and Griante.

Ellerton and Zahra will back Miss Maggiebeel up seven days after her promising effort behind the in-form By The Grace at Flemington.

Zahra said Miss Maggiebeel's condition has improved markedly in the space of a week.

"Her coat didn't really clean up after her first-up run but you can see she has improved after last week," Zahra said.

Miss Maggiebeel and Theodora will race against their former stablemate Marli Magic in Saturday's race.

Marli Magic ran third at Caulfield for Ellerton and Zahra at her last start on May 17, six days before her previous owner sold the filly for $40,000 at a tried horse sale.

Marli Magic will have her first run for the John Sadler stable at Sandown.