Chains Of Love faces a weighty task in the Hot Danish Stakes

Co-trainer Paul Messara acknowledges that the conditions for the Hot Danish Stakes are not ideal for Chains Of Love, but he is prepared to give the Kosciuszko victor her opportunity against some of Sydney's elite mares.

Under the set weights conditions of the 1400m feature race, Chains Of Love must carry 57kg, the same weight as seven other runners who possess higher benchmark ratings.

"We don't come into the race really well on Saturday at set weights," Paul Messara explained. "If it was set weights and penalties, we'd come in in a much handier position. But she'll be there doing her best."

This will be Chains Of Love's second start this campaign, following an exceptional performance in The Kosciuszko (1200m). Despite enduring a wide run, she displayed remarkable courage to reel in Band Of Brothers and claim victory in a thrilling head-bobbing finish.

Messara reports that the mare has recovered well from her last run over the past three weeks and has been working impressively.

"I'm really happy with her. Her work has been great," he stated. "It was a phenomenal win. I can't believe it. I've watched it ten times and I still can't believe she won. You just don't win like that, and to be able to do it, that was super impressive."

Currently, Chains Of Love is priced at $9 in the early markets, with the favourite being the talented Lazzura at $1.45, who is aiming to build on her victories in the Golden Pendant and The Invitation.

The Hot Danish Stakes is seen as a vital test of Chains Of Love's abilities, and it will serve as her final outing for this season, with potential future targets including the Group 1 Coolmore Classic (1500m) in the autumn.

Messara also has the undefeated gelding Mainstay set to make his city debut in the Highway Handicap (1200m), having secured three wins at Scone and Muswellbrook.

Mainstay, by the highly-regarded Arrowfield stallion The Autumn Sun, is still in his first preparation. However, Messara is optimistic about the colt's future, even considering a Kosciuszko bid next year.

"It's hard to do four in a row, but we've won three in the country, and he'll be coming to town in good form," Messara commented. "I rate the horse. He's a horse I have, in my mind, might make it to the Kosciuszko next year. He's that style of horse that can come in at the right level, and he's progressive."

"He's just needed time. He's found a way every preparation to get out of it at the last minute. He'd be ready to go and get a temperature and have to go out for a break. It's just been one of those situations with him. Nothing too serious. He's a beautiful horse to look at, and built like an absolute tank."

As of Friday, Mainstay was listed at $4.60.

For those interested in the Hot Danish Stakes, check out the competitive racing odds available on online bookmakers.