Michelle Ritchie is among many trainers hoping the impending review of benchmark racing comes up with a solution to the problems of placing horses.

She believes stable star Better Not Blue is somewhat out of his grade in Saturday's Listed Civic Stakes (1350m) at Rosehill but can't find another suitable race.

In saying that, she also believes he will run well because he never disappoints her.

"He's probably not a Group or Listed horse but he's going so well that it's pointless turning him out for a spell," Ritchie said.

"It's a big step up for him but he likes soft tracks and there's not much else for the class of horse he is."

As a 78-rated horse, Better Not Blue is on the minimum 54kg in the Civic Stakes with Ninth Legion, who is rated 102, topweight with 59kg.

At his most recent start, Better Not Blue finished fourth, less than two lengths from the winner Avoanco, in a 1350m-race at Rosehill, losing a plate in the process.

"His feet have been a problem throughout his career," Ritchie said.

"Every time he pulls a shoe I worry he's pulling part of his hoof off.

"He was fine a couple of days later."

Ritchie helps her partner, Kembla Grange trainer Paul Murray, by riding his horses trackwork before looking after her small team.

"I only have three or four in work," she said.

"I've got five acres at Berry and I take Better Not Blue down there every second week to spend time in a paddock and he enjoys that.

"Apart from his feet, he is sound in every other way."

Apprentice Taylor Marshall rode Better Not Blue last start and Ritchie was impressed enough with his ride to keep him on despite the fact he can't use his claim in the Listed race.

"I was very happy with the way Taylor rode him," she said.

"He can be a hard horse to ride and I was impressed with the way he handled him so I'm happy to have him on."

Oxford Poet is the TAB's early $3.20 favourite ahead of Marenostro at $4.60 with Better Not Blue a $13 chance in the nine-horse field.