Confidence dented ahead of time-honoured feature

A "SHOCKING" draw combined with a stronger opposition has dented confidence around Clives Girl completing consecutive feature wins.

Successful in the Home Grown Classic at Tabcorp Park Melton a fortnight ago, Clives Girl will return to the complex for Saturday night's Tatlow Stake.

To trainer Charlene Gusman's dismay, the daughter of Bettors Delight has received barrier five in the Group Two.

"The draw is shocking," Gusman said. "If only she could draw the pole again like she did at her last start!

"This is a 100 per cent tougher field and is clearly a big step up for her.

"Her work during the past couple of weeks has been super, but whether that is good enough for this race, we'll have to wait and see."

Citing the Emma Stewart-prepared stablemates Tempting Tigress and Tiffs Little Sister as the pair to beat, Gusman believes Soho Seraphine shapes as the "most likely".

Runner-up upon debut, Soho Seraphine won her three subsequent starts before being sent for a spell after her Ballarat win on July 16.

The daughter of Betting Line has drawn gate four for her first-up appearance.

"Emma's two have looked very good in their runs and have drawn well in two and three," Gusman said. "They are clearly the two to beat.

"Soho Seraphine could make it interesting as she was very promising before going for a break and comes into this straight off her spell."

Gusman bred and owns Clives Girl, with the two-year-old named after her friend and mentor, Clive Smith.

"I was stabled at Kilmore with Clive and she was his favourite," Gusman said. "He always picked her out, brushed her and muck around with her and I would refer to her as Clives Girl, so the name stuck.

"Clive was a trainer in the 1980s and '90s and was planning to be there for her last start, but he hasn't been too well, but would like to be there this weekend if he can."