A sharp drop in grade should see Madam Sass hard to beat in Race 7 at Northam this afternoon

The David Harrison-trained mare commenced her latest campaign in the Jungle Mist Classic 12 days ago.

Considered an lesser chance, the mare settled outside the lead before fading out of things over the dying stages with Antique Belle claiming the event.

She was beaten 3.7 lengths but regardless, the outing should put her in good stead for the Oasis Coffee Benchmark 60 Handicap (1100m) at Northam this afternoon.

While perhaps not of stakes quality, Madam Sass is better than a Benchmark 60 at Northam.

With added fitness second up, dropping to 1100m, the Due Sasso mare looks hard to beat.

The five-year-old is yet to run out of the money in two prior second up outings and is second up off a breakout campaign where she worked through her grades, culminating with an Ascot success.

She has drawn well and should be prominent throughout under the guidance of Paul Harvey.

Madam Sass already rates on top amongst this field on 50 day weight adjusted Timeform ratings and with anticipated improvement second up, is expected to be fighting out the finish.

It is shaping as a competitive affair and although there looks to be a greater sense of timing about Madam Sass than anything else, there are other genuine winning chances.

Marchand is holding form well and has fallen just short of making all in his past two outings.

He will roll forward from a wide draw and take catching.

The Loveshack is a very capable sprinter on his day while Run For Rum is holding form well so far this campaign.