Taking on the males with Jessy Belle is not a concern for trainer Luke Oliver as he prepares to take the mare back to a track where she has had the most success.
Jessy Belle is set to line up in Saturday's benchmark 90 race over 1500 metres at Moonee Valley in search of her first win for the campaign after two encouraging efforts over shorter distances.
The four-year-old has had six starts at Moonee Valley for three wins and Oliver says she is in top shape in her bid for another.
Jessy Belle's two starts this preparation have been in mares' company but taking on the males is nothing new for the daughter of Rock Of Gibraltar.
"She has won four races in town and three of those have been against the boys," Oliver said.
"So it hasn't been an issue in the past and she gets a weight advantage so you'd think it's the right sort of race for her.
"And certainly if there's any rain around later in the week that would be an advantage for her as well."
Jessy Belle was third first-up over 1100m at Caulfield before finishing just over a length from the winner Miss Rose De Lago when fourth over 1200m last start at the same track.
Her most recent Moonee Valley outing was a fifth to subsequent Group One winner Suavito in a Group Three mares' race over 1600m in October.
"Her two starts this preparation have both been pretty good and she will appreciate the step up in trip on Saturday," Oliver said.
"All of her city wins have been between 1400 and 1600 metres."
Chris Symons reunites with Jessy Belle on Saturday for the first time this preparation.
He has ridden the mare in 11 races and been aboard in her four city wins.