Mustang Valley is at the top of her game for her Group One test at Riccarton on Saturday with connections hoping for a final piece of the puzzle to make the Classic a snug fit for the daughter of Vanbrugh.

The filly is in sound form and expected to relish the step up in trip in the Gr.1 Barneswood Farm New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) with the roomy track another major plus.

Trainers Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman are confident of a bold showing from Mustang Valley and any rain in the lead-up to the feature will serve to heighten expectations.

“She will be spot on and ready to go over the mile. A little bit of give in the track would help, she doesn’t need it too bad, but some fire out would be ideal,” Forsman said.

Mustang Valley was a juvenile winner last season and opened her current campaign with a runner-up finish in the Gr.3 Gold Trail Stakes (1200m) after an interrupted run.

She again wound up well to finish second in an age group event over 1400 metres at Matamata and returned there to come from the outside stall for fifth in the Gr.3 Soliloquy Stakes (1400m).

“It was a good run last time out and she drew a bad gate and got back, it was a pretty firm and fast track that day and the run had a lot of merit,” Forsman said.

Mustang Valley will again be ridden by Vinnie Colgan and will jump from barrier 10 in the 16-horse field. She will be bidding to go one better for the stable following Meritable’s effort for second in last Saturday’s Gr.1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m).