The mare flew home late to fall inches short of a stunning win in a 1400 metres BenchMark 78 a fortnight ago.

Making the result even more pleasing for Bateup was the horse's disrupted preparation, with Monegal unable to barrier trial before the race.

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With a run under her belt and two more weeks of work, the trainer is confident her charge can claim a third Saturday-city win and potentially earn a start in the Listed Rowley Mile.

"She only had one jump out going into that run, so she was always going to improve off it," Bateup said. "She's done everything right and was a little bit unlucky not to get the cash first up.

"My biggest concern is with the rail right out, I'm hoping they can still make up ground."

Monegal has in-form jockey Brock Ryan on her back, the apprentice riding high after claiming four winners last Saturday.

His impressive day has caught the attention of the sport's top trainers and Ryan has been handed another of quality rides for this weekend's meeting.

The Kembla Grange apprentice will steer Chris Waller pair Zing and Criminal Code, as well as Robert and Luke Price's Cuban Royale.

Ryan rode the gelding to victory just a week ago and while Luke Price has some concerns about a wide barrier, he's confident his runner can go back-to-back if he goes around.

"We're going to need a bit of luck from the tricky draw," Price said. "I haven't made my mind up 100% but I've had a good look at the form with Brock and we're confident the race could pan out in our favour.

"With the way the world is at the moment it's getting a little bit harder so if they're going around, we probably should be going around."

As the Price-stable apprentice, Ryan has worked closely with both Rob and Luke over the past couple of years.

It's been a period in which he's continued to flourish, but also a period in which the jockey has battled multiple injuries.

A concussion and a broken leg have kept him out of action for a large chunk of this year.

Despite the setbacks, Ryan has impressed with his desire and work ethic to get back riding winners.

"He's had such a horrible year, no one deserves more than Brock to have success," Price said. "I'm very proud of the way he's kept his head on, took each race as it came and rode extremely well last week.

"It hasn't gone unnoticed either, he's becoming harder to book and is attracting the interest of the big boys."