Balaclava Lady struggles to win at the best of times so another poor draw is the last thing the mare needs.

Balaclava Lady has won twice in 20 starts but had little chance to improve her record last Saturday at Flemington when she raced wide throughout from barrier 13 before finishing sixth to Nautical.

Trainer Nigel Blackiston was looking for better luck when backing the mare up in Saturday's BMW Melbourne Handicap (1200m) but fortune was not with the four-year-old when she drew barrier 14.

Blackiston has scratched Balaclava Lady twice recently because of bad barriers but says he has no option but to run her at Caulfield.

"She had to run last Saturday and she'll run again this Saturday because that then gives us options with her in the next few weeks," Blackiston said.

"She's just having no luck at the moment."

Blackiston says Balaclava Lady's work has been as good as ever while the rising five-year-old pleased with a recent jump-out win at Flemington.

"I've been very happy with her and she's racing well but just needs a bit to go her way," he said.

The TAB has kept Balaclava Lady safe in its market on the Caulfield contest, opening the Charge Forward mare at $8.50 before easing her quote to $10.

The speedy mare Octavia is the $5 equal favourite for the race with the Allen Browell-trained Hai Lil.

Dwayne Dunn will ride Balaclava Lady again at Caulfield after partnering her at her last two starts.

Michael Walker has ridden Balaclava Lady in both her wins, which came in September 2012 at Caulfield and December last year at Geelong.