The group 1 memories of Pembrook's Delight still linger long in Geoff Knight's mind.
And that is why he and wife Jude will head from Roxburgh to Ashburton with at least smidgen of confidence.
The husband and wife training team produced their proudest moment in racing when Pembrook's Delight prevailed in the 4yr-old pacing mares' division of the 2012 Harness Jewels at Cambridge.
And the 4yr-old mares' category is once again in their sights thanks to the classy Al Raza.
''There are some really nice ones in there that have earned the right to be called really, really good horses,'' Knight said.
''But they're always interesting races and after we did the job three years ago, I'll never say never. We're there with a chance and we're proud to be there.''
The draws fell reasonably kindly for Al Raza who will leave from gate No 4, with Lancewood Lizzie (barrier 1) likely press forward with Zac Butcher in the sulky.
''Just listening to Zac Butcher last night on TV, it sounds like he's going to lead, and rightly so,'' Knight said.
''If they are going to go 1.52 [for the mile] up there, any petrol you don't spend early is very vital for a horse like her.''
The draws of other mares in the race are just as important.
Venus Serena and Willow both found themselves on the back row, and will have to work into the race.
Knight anticipates those moves will come sooner rather than later.
''They'll be coming pretty much from the 1200m to the 800m. It's going to be very interesting tactically.''
Al Raza recorded a 1.55 mile at Winton in December, but has shown a liking for the longer distances.
However, with the way the draws have fallen, the pace should be on throughout.
''Matt Williamson has always said she's a better stayer than a genuine sprinter, but this will be a staying test, especially being in Ashburton and the time they will run.''
Williamson, for his part, expects the 400m splits to be fairly sharp, ensuring the staying prowess will come into play.
''She's more tough than she is fast so, hopefully, there is plenty of speed in the race and we tuck in somewhere handy,'' Williamson said.
She's had a super year and she certainly doesn't owe them anything, so it would just be the cream on the top if she can run a good race.''
Williamson has two other drives after Springbank Eden made the 3yr-old ruby field through Habibti Ivy's scratching.
His best chance is Luisanabelle Midfrew in the first race, the 2yr-old diamond.
''She's really well drawn. Everything that's better than her on paper is drawn outside her or worse,'' he said.
''She should get a handy spot with her good gate speed.''
Her main threats, Northern Velocity and Dream About Me, are drawn wide on the front line, while Arden's Choice has copped a second-line draw.
