Succession planning in horse racing stables is unlikely to unfold as seamlessly as it has for Chris Waller and the Golden Pendant favourite Catkins.

As Waller farewelled two-time Group One winner Red Tracer last season, he did so knowing Catkins was the horse who could take her place as a spring force in mares’ races for the sprinter-milers.

Catkins has already repaid the faith shown by her trainer with a clear-cut win in the Sheraco Stakes and she will be out to do it again at Rosehill on Saturday.

In fact, Catkins is odds-on to go one better than Red Tracer’s placing in the 2013 Golden Pendant and stay on track for the Group One Myer Stakes during the Melbourne Cup carnival.

Catkins was beaten a nostril by Red Tracer in last year’s Myer, confirming Waller’s belief one is just as good as the other.

And that spells danger for Catkins’ Golden Pendant rivals, especially the horses who finished behind her in the Sheraco a fortnight ago.

“They have to improve to beat her,” Waller said. “It’s as simple as that.

“She’s just got to hold her own and she has. She’s done a great job on the training track since her last start.

Catkins’ 12 wins and seven placings in 24 starts for $1.14 million in stakes and her no-nonsense approach to racing make her a stable favourite in a yard full of Group One stars.

“She’ll appreciate the extra distance and it doesn’t matter what the track conditions are. Nothing worries her,” Waller said.

My Sabeel and Neena Rock filled the Sheraco placings but they are no better than double-figure odds on Saturday as Catkins is assured of being the shortest-priced favourite of the meeting after her $1.45 quote on Friday.

On class, the David Vandyke-trained Arabian Gold represents the best chance of beating Catkins.

But the mare who has enjoyed stakes success at three major racing carnivals over the past 12 months is almost certain to be giving the favourite too much start.

Rosehill received 7mm of overnight rain but Australian Turf Club spokesman Lindsay Murphy is confident the track will improve from the dead to good range by Saturday.