Markham's parents, Carl and Lyn, are in Australia taking a well-earned break, leaving Markham jun to take the reins behind Special Bella, along with his regular drive behind Jean Sebastien.
He will not be claiming credit for a much-improved barrier draw (three but into two due to a scratching) for Special Bella in the c1-c2 handicap pace, but Markham thinks it could be a big help for the 6yr-old mare.
''This is the first time for a while that she's drawn inside five or six,'' he said.
''She's got good stand-start manners most of the time and she should get handy enough to them and find something nice to trail.
She needs the right run, but if she gets the right run, she's a real chance of winning.
Special Bella has been a beneficiary of the drop-back system this season, ending up back in the c1 grade when the system was introduced in October before she went on to win at Methven in December. After 10 more winless starts, she dropped back to the c1 grade, which Markham feels suits her quite well.
''It's a fair grade for her. She's competitive, whereas if she starts meeting some of the c4 and c5 horses, they're a bit stronger than where she's at.''
Her run for second at Addington on July 11 two starts back was almost a win as she stormed home before turning her head slightly near the line.
''She was just a wee bit unlucky. She didn't get clear until halfway down the straight and she finished off really nice. She wouldn't be without a show [tomorrow].''
Jean Sebastien (race 8) was equally unlucky finishing sixth at Addington on July 18.
''Just coming in to the straight, the one in front of me galloped and gave me a bad check and cost me three lengths.
''He's taken the step up in grade good and I don't think it will be long until he finds the winners' circle again.''
The Love You gelding's last-start sixth was his worst result - if you could call it that - since he broke through to win his maiden race at Rangiora last month.
''The harder they go, the better it is for him - he can round off a race,'' Markham said.
''He's quite tough, too. He proved that when he won his race ... I think he's a great chance on Sunday.''
Drawing barrier 12 should help as well, as Jean Sebastien will not need to stand still for as long.
''He's not terribly fast from the stand anyway. But he went through a period there where he kept drawing one, which is probably the worst possible draw for him. So it's probably good for him to draw 12 and follow one out.
''I wouldn't mind being in the three-wide line with a trail [with a lap to go] but he's probably good enough in that sort of field to make his own luck a wee bit.
'' If I have to do a bit of work, I won't be afraid to.''
