In an ominous warning to her rivals on the weekend, Taylor has backed the daughter of Nicconi to repeat last year's heroics in the $150,000 heat.

"My confidence is definitely higher than last year," Taylor said.

"She has done a lot since she went into it last year. She had only had I think three runs when she went into that race.

"She wasn't expected to do much last year and come out and won impressively."

Mandylion caused a minor boilover in 2018 when she lead all the way at just her fourth career to salute on a rain affected track. 

She will encounter another heavy surface on Saturday after the region was soaked again this week, with more than 155mms falling at Kembla.

The track was rated a Heavy 10 after an inspection by Racing NSW stewards on Friday afternoon, with a further inspection expected on Saturday morning. 

"The heavy track will suit her," Taylor said.

"She has proven that she likes it in the wet and is a pretty uncomplicated horse. She just jumps to the front and likes to lead under her own speed.

"That is probably how she will race. She has a good gate to do it and to comfortably jump to the front.

"I think she will get the job done."

Markwell will be on a seven day back-up after finishing well back in the Group 1 Coolmore Classic (1500m) at Rosehill Gardens last weekend. 

"I thought her run in the Coolmore was really good," Taylor said.

"She was up against some really good mares and she led as she does and was right there at the 300m before she got a bit tired late.

"The others just came over the top of her but she is in weaker grade now. As her benchmark shows, she is about a 92 and is only carrying 54kgs in the race. 

"I think she comes into it in that respect really well."

Mandylion was a $3.90 favourite with the TAB late on Friday evening to win the Kembla Grange heat.

She is among a list of local hopes vying for a spot in the final, with Kerry Parker, Mick Tubman, Louise Dean as well as Robert and Luke Price all saddling up runner.

The Prices have Eugene's Pick ($8.50) and Cuban Royale ($41) while Tubman is sending Bye See ($21) and Dean starts Myprayer ($71) around on their home track.

Heartlet ($34) and Genoveffa ($41) will fly the flag for Parker. 

The qualifier won't be run until the final event at 6.05pm.

The first three across the line on Saturday will earn a spot in the $500,000 Provincial Championships final to be held on April 13 at Randwick. 

Markwell already has Archedemus qualified for the final.

The talented five-year-old is the $4 favourite to win the series.