The Mark Kavanagh-Michael Rodd combination can deliver punters another Group One winner in the Thousand Guineas at Caulfield.
After teaming up for Whobegotyou's emphatic win in Saturday's Caulfield Guineas, the pair can make it a classic double with Cats Whisker on Wednesday.
A glance through the history book shows a common theme in the formline of past Guineas winners.
Since 1993, no filly has entered the race without at least one run at the mile behind them and, more importantly, none have finished further back than fifth at their most recent start.
Seven of the past 10 winners have used through the Edward Manifold Stakes (1600m) as their final lead-up run to the Guineas.
Cats Whisker ticks all these boxes.
The filly was strong at the end of the Edward Manifold, where she came second behind Gallica and will be better for the run as she had stepped up from 1200m to the mile on that occasion.
She has drawn ideally in gate six from where Rodd should be able to position the filly anywhere he wants in the 16-horse field.
Her toughest to beat could be Gallica, who has drawn her immediate outside. The filly had all the favours in the Edward Manifold where she raced on the pace and peeled off some impressive sectionals in the final three furlongs.
It will be jockey Damien Oliver's fourth win in the race should Gallica salute the judge first.
Sparks Fly ran home strongly in the Edward Manifold for third but will find it a shade tougher this time. Caulfield may not suit her as well as the long straight at Flemington, and she is awkwardly drawn in 11 as opposed to six last start.
Well beaten last time after drawing gate 13, Romneya, the $5 favourite, will improve on her run at Flemington. She has the inside draw but must make up five lengths on the winner, which is a big ask.
There was nothing wrong with the run of Oval Affair at Flemington. She stuck to her task gamely in the straight after settling well back and ran on resolutely for fifth. The Oaks, however, may be more her go.
With Samantha Miss bypassing the race in favour of the Cox Plate, Kimillsy is the best of the Sydney fillies after placing twice behind that filly earlier this spring.
Portillo, from the Peter Snowden yard, has also raced consistently in Sydney's Princess Series. Her chances will improve should there be any rain in Melbourne.
Lucky Wu (Andrew Wu)
1.Cats Whisker, 2.Gallica, 3.Sparks Fly, 4.Kimillsy
Hands and Heals (Jonathan Healy)
1.Sparks Fly, 2.Gallica, 3.Portillo, 4.Oval Affair