Lowry has partnered the son of Gallant Guru four times, winning on the last two occasions he climbed aboard.
Since Lowry's second victory on Valiant - at Wingatui on October 23 - the gelding has gone on to perform admirably, running fourth in the group 3 Stewards Stakes at Riccarton, then
second to Elusive Tracy in the Wanaka Cup at Cromwell on November 30.
Toni Direen rode Valiant in his last two assignments and Lowry watched on with interest as Valiant put in a brave effort in the Stewards.
''It's just a pity he was taken on - he tried to over-race a bit,'' Lowry said.
''But with 4kg off and not as strong a field on Saturday, he should be a very good hope, I think.''
Lowry is putting in the hard yards to ensure he can take full advantage of his 4kg claim, bringing Valiant's weight down to 51.5kg.
''I can ride 52kg, but I'm going for 51.5kg because it's Valiant and it's a good ride. It's worth doing the work for the extra half kilo.''
Lowry sees the early speed in the race coming from Hermione, drawn out in barrier 8, and he would like to slot in just behind the leaders from barrier 5.
''We'll probably be wanting a sit in behind the speed,'' he said.
''It's a bit hard for him to go from end to end in front. At Wingatui I rode him like the best horse in the race and there wasn't overly much speed but I'd say I'll be looking just in behind the speed coming around the corner and we'll see what we can do.''
Lowry's task aboard Saragarhi in the rating 85 1600m was made slightly easier after Include was scratched yesterday.
The outstanding mare was taken out of the field after suffering a mishap in the truck, co-trainer Shane Anderton said.
''She's taken a bit of bark off.''
The injury seemed superficial but more would be known in the coming days, he said.
Lowry's 4kg claim will ensure Saragarhi is a lightweight hope against the smart types Fiorano and Tommy Tucker.
''He's an honest horse - he put in a big run on Cup Day [finishing fifth behind Delacroix]. He didn't get much of a run until late, but he always gives 100[%].
''There are a few good ones in the field, but he could sneak in under the guard with a light weight.''
Lowry's other ride is in the rating 75 1400m in which he gives weight relief to the 61kg topweight Don'tlikemonday.
Lowry had his first trip on the Traditionally gelding at Winton late last month in the 7yr-old's first run in the South Island and his first run for six months, finishing sixth.
''He probably really needed the run and it was way shorter than what he usually goes,'' Lowry said.
''He'll be a lot more fitter for the run, so I'm expecting a bold run.''
