Dwelling on negatives isn't Robert Heathcote's style.

Far from being downcast after La Frisson Belle drew barrier 16 in Saturday's Mode Plate at Eagle Farm, Heathcote is talking up her chances.

"This filly has got genuine class and I've always liked her from the time she entered my stables," he said.

"Yes, the wide alley is an issue but she's very talented and that will take her a long way."

After one unplaced start in July, La Frisson Belle was spelled but her two runs this campaign have convinced him to pursue black-type races.

"They ran fast time when she finished second first-up from a spell then she won with a lot of authority at Doomben and ran a quick last 600-metre sectional time," he said.

Jockey Damian Browne, who rode La Frisson Belle at Doomben, says the filly has enough natural pace to cope with her wide barrier.

"She has tactical speed which is a big advantage and she looks to be a filly on the way up," he said.

"Although it's a step up going from a Wednesday to a quality race on Saturday, she's shown enough signs to indicate she'll take that step."

Tim Bell believes Sookie's chances of winning the Mode has been boosted after she drew perfectly in barrier three.

"From that gate I'll be able to judge the pace and put her in a nice possie," Bell said.

Sookie was runner-up to Magic Millions Guineas contender Lucky Hussler on November 17 but wasn't at her peak then, according to Bell.

"She was probably still a run short for that race but I was very happy with her effort and there was a big margin between her and the third horse," he said.