Danetime gelding Ain't No Saint is knocking on the door of victory and should be primed to return the winner's list in Saturday's Tyrepower Handicap (1100m) at Kalgoorlie.
The Merv Dellar-trained four-year-old has yet to display the same sparkle he displayed last season with three wins and two second placings but a last-start second to Arachnid had all the indications of a return to form.
He dashed clear at the top of the straight before being overhauled over the concluding stages in his best performance to date this campaign.
"He was probably behind the eight ball at the beginning of his preparation and has taken time to hit his straps," Dellar said.
"But he is improving and getting better with each run.
"The appointment of Damian Lane is very important.
"He's a talented young rider who is in great form and will play his part in the race."
Dellar is keen to see how Fire Again, a newcomer to his stable, will perform in the Safe & Sound Storage Maiden (1100m).
The Euclase filly, previously in the care of Donna Carbery, has three trials to her credit and is capable of causing a surprise first-up.
"I don't mind the looks of her and she could go okay," Dellar said.
"Donna has a fair opinion of her and thought she could do well in Kalgoorlie.
"Her work during the week has been excellent."
Steve Wolfe makes his first Kalgoorlie appearance for the season and could be the stable to watch.
He has Watson's Bay who blotted his recent good form with an unplaced effort behind Casper Cowboy at Ascot last week.
He is better than that and is more than capable of bouncing back to winning form in the Snap Printing (Peter Palmer Memorial) Handicap (1608m).
Stablemate Aliento has looked good in all three race starts with one win and two placings and will be looking to maintain that form in the RSM Bird Cameron Handicap (1200m).
The draw will make it difficult but if he is as good as we think he might be he should be able to overcome it.
Other runners to keep an eye on will be Rod Kirkup's Amelia Storm in the Lakes Electrical Handicap (1400m).
The son of Stormy's Son has had two runs back this campaign and if he displays the same ability as last season he will be winning soon.
And I'm retaining faith in Sonny Biscay who will get the run of the race from barrier one and looks hard to beat in the Allied Cooling Services Handicap (1608m).
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