Theresa Bateup takes deep Breath ahead of Summer Provincial Series final

In fact, some of the owners had a brief moment of panic when the draw was revealed.

But Bateup had no such qualms.

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Asked if Divine Breath can win the $150,000 feature from the wide gate, the trainer's response was emphatic.

"Yes, she can win," Bateup said. "She did the same in the Midway on The Gong day, she drew 18 that day. It should hopefully pan out just like that Midway did.

"I'm not too concerned about the barrier. The mile start at Newcastle has a good run to the first turn. With a big field there will be a genuine tempo. My only query is the rail is out six metres.

"If they can run on a little bit, it will be a similar plan to the Midway. Bounce her out, find a position midfield. Being three-wide with cover won't worry me, she appreciates a bit of room."

Divine Breath is one of three Kembla horses to line up in the provincial final, stablemate Shaka Rock to jump from barrier seven while Gwenda Markwell's Josephus has drawn gate three.

The pair qualified through last week's fifth and final heat, finishing second and third, respectively, behind Kris Lees' Azarmin.

The mare is one of five Lees runners in the race, Grand Rumore, Darleb, Juventus and Toomai all listed among the favourites.

Joe Ible's Champagne Vega is an emergency.

The Markwell stable is eager to see Josephus back on dry ground. The gelding missed the start badly last week and had to work hard to recover and finish inside the top three.

If he jumps well on Saturday, the trainer is confident Josephus will be in the finish of the 1600 metres race.

Shaka Rock was also out of his comfort zone last week and Bateup expects the gelding to work hard to the line.

"He's done everything right. He's been racing well, it didn't suit him having to go to the front last week, he's a better chaser.

"If he gets a nice sit behind the speed, he'll be there trying hard and if he's good enough to be in the placings, I'll be very pleased."

Saturday's race provides a rare chance for provincial trainers to compete for big prizemoney against their own grade.

It's an opportunity Bateup never turns down.

"This race has been around for a few seasons and I've managed to qualify one for the final every year.

"Before this year with the Midways and Four Pillars, this was the only thing we had other than the Provincial Championships.

"It's a nice target, nice prizemoney. It's a strong field and it's nice to qualify horses for the final."

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