Wingatui trainer Steven Anderton believes both his mares are ready for a step up in class at Te Rapa tomorrow.
The Solitaire and The Glitzy One line up in the group 1 Herbie Dyke Stakes over 2000m.
The $200,000 weight-for-age race will be the first attempt at the top level for both Dennis brothers-owned mares, and Anderton is keen to see how they handle the rise in class.
Both have been in the North Island for a month. The Solitaire won over 1600m at Counties-Manukau on February 18, and her stablemate was fifth in the same race.
''They're looking good. They've done well since Pukekohe,'' Anderton said yesterday.
''Their work's been good and I'm pretty happy with where they're at. It's obviously a big step up on Saturday. But they're both a chance.
''The Solitaire is probably the best chance. She's the more versatile mare.
''But it may depend on the weather. They've forecast a wee bit of rain up here. If the track gets on the slow side, I would rate the other mare. The Glitzy One can handle the wet, whereas The Solitaire isn't as good on a slow track.
''But hopefully it doesn't get any worse than dead.''
Trudy Thornton is back on The Solitaire (30 starts, nine wins) after winning in her first ride on the mare at Pukekohe.
Chris Johnson resumes his partnership with The Glitzy One (38 starts, seven wins) after their win at Wingatui on Boxing Day, 2012.
Both 6yr-olds will carry 57kg, with The Solitaire starting on the inside barrier and The Glitzy One at 8.
''Both can run handy to the pace,'' Anderton said.
''There are only 10 horses in the race but I wouldn't like to get back too far. It's one of those tracks where you want to stay up there.''
Favourites for the race are Historian, racing for the first time since winning the Zabeel Classic on December 26, Shuka and Zurella.
Anderton is considering backing The Glitzy One up in the Avondale Cup over 2400m next week.
Both mares are listed in the Auckland Cup on March 5, but Anderton is unsure of The Solitaire's participation as, with a higher rating, she would be asked to ''carry a fair bit of weight''.
