Apache Song will aim for back-to-back Sandown win when she lines up on Saturday.
Michael Trotter had the choice of three contests during the week with filly Apache Song before deciding on an option at Sandown.
A 1300m race at Bendigo on Wednesday was Trotter's preferred option in a bid to retain the services of Blake Shinn, while Apache Song was also entered for races over 1400m and 1600m at Sandown on Saturday.
In the end, and with the owner's persuasion, Apache Song will line up in the Sportsbet Bet With Mates Handicap (1400m) with Craig Newitt in the saddle.
"I was leaning towards Bendigo because Blake was going to stick with her, but he's not there on Saturday, which is unfortunate," Trotter said.
"So, instead of travelling three hours, we're only 40 minutes away and racing for nearly four times as much."
"The owners were keen to chance their arm and have a crack, so that's why we're going Saturday."
Apache Song returned to winning form at her most recent outing at Sandown, scoring narrowly over 1300m on May 8.
Trotter placed Apache Song against far better company in the spring, but it all went pear-shaped.
After a first-up win in a maiden at Moe, Apache Song ran midfield in the Thousand Guineas Prelude at Caulfield in October before two poor runs at Flemington and in the Thousand Guineas.
"At Flemington she was travelling well but got held up for a run three or four times and then she ended up choking down," Trotter said.
"We continued on with the Thousand Guineas, purely because you only get one chance and we felt she was up to the mark, but she had two foot abscesses leading up to the run which put us behind the eight-ball, and she ended up choking down again."
Trotter said he did not want to use a tongue tie on the filly in the Thousand Guineas, so opted for a tongue-control bit and a crossover noseband, to no avail.
This time in, Apache Song has raced without the additional gear.
"She's had the two runs, and nothing has occurred. Maybe it's just been a maturity thing that caused the issue," Trotter said.
"I trialled her without the gear and she was fine."
Trotter was a little disappointed with Apache Song's first-up run when the filly was left aflat-footed over 1100m down the straight at Flemington.
But that run improved her condition for her last start Sandown win.
"Blake was very positive after that win and he's of the opinion that she will be a talented and quality horse in time," Trotter said.
"So, we'll try stepping up in grade gradually and hopefully, in time, we'll be where we want to be.
"I don't think we've seen the best of her yet."
