Oakbank's Railway Stakes could see Lingani at her best

Lingani, after three starts since returning from rest, is on the cusp of peaking at Oakbank.

Familiarity with the demanding Oakbank layout is essential.

Lingani may not have raced at the Adelaide Hills course before, but trainers Peter and Belinda Blanch, who are married, are assured the mare will cope when she contests the Listed Railway Stakes (1100m) on Saturday.

She has a perfect record in Oakbank trials, winning her sole two attempts, with Belinda Blanch stating the mare is primed for success.

This Saturday represents Lingani's fourth race this campaign, and Blanch indicated the mare has shown good form without the breaks going her way.

Her previous run saw her take seventh position in the Listed Manihi Stakes (1100m) at Morphettville, March 9.

"She needed a couple of runs to get going as she's a bit older and a bit bigger now after a decent spell," Blanch said.

"Her last start was much better than it looked. She got in all sorts of trouble when she was held up from the entrance to the straight to the 100-metre mark.

"She went looking for four or five runs and everything kept closing up on her.

"From my point of view, watching it live, she was full of running and wanted to be there, in the zone, but couldn't get the run through.

"When she did get clear, she couldn't pick herself up, she needed time to wind up.

"We put her out for a week after that to give her a freshen up with the plan then to go to the Railway Stakes."

The team ensured Lingani's sharpness by sending her to Strathalbyn for a trial victory last week ahead of Saturday's race.

"It was raining when I got there, which was great, because she loves it, and she trialled really well," Blanch said.

"Any rain (on Saturday) would be great. Peter and Belinda Blanch

"She's won a couple of trials at Oakbank and if they can handle that hill, then that's half the battle."

The Blanches are also entering Lingani's younger half-sister Boolcunda Dawn in the day's first event, The Shillabeer (1400m), at Oakbank.

That filly won over course and distance most recently on March 18.

"She won there last start and we're hoping she can go close again," Blanch said.

"She's also a big horse and has taken a bit of time to mature and come into her own and we think there are better things in store for her."

Check the online bookmakers for competitive betting markets for the race in the Railway Stakes.