In-form jockey Mark Du Plessis is hoping that two more horses will be scratched from Saturday's Group 3 Gold Coast Guineas (1200m) so the promising Mystic Aroma can earn herself a start.
The Peter & Will Hulbert-trained filly has won two of her seven career starts, with those wins coming back-to-back in late 2021 on the Sunshine Coast.
Although the daughter of Divine Prophet has raced in lower grades throughout her short career, Du Plessis believes she deserves her shot at Saturday's Group 3 event.
“I rode her today (Thursday) – the little thing is jumping out of her skin,” he told HorseBetting.
“She's very, very well. It's not an easy race and she's unproven in the heavy which it probably will be, but she's ready to go.
“Riding her this morning, she feels like she's already won a Guineas – she's just that well and work has been really good. In fact, her last gallop on Tuesday morning just by herself with the blinkers on – I thought it was the best gallop she's done this time in.”
As Mystic Aroma has form around the likes of Mass Destruction, Boomnova and Palladas, Du Plessis is confident that the three-year-old can run a competitive race from the inside alley if gains a start in the field on Saturday.
Both Battleton and Putontheredlight have already been withdrawn from the Group 3 field, so only two more scratchings are required to see the +7000 chance gain a start.
“It's obviously a very tough race,” the jockey said.
“She's got the ideal draw and her wet form isn't proven yet, but I think she's really flying.
“I really hope she does get a run to see where she is in terms of where we're going next with the company, but I said last time before she went for a break that she deserves to have a crack at nice races this time in.
“Every prep that she has, she just comes back stronger. That's a very positive sign and I've really been enjoying riding her work and seeing her progress.
“Hopefully her time is now.”