Trainer Jason Deamer is optimistic that Randwick’s rain-affected conditions will suit his talented mare Rapt when she lines up in the Charity Challenge Handicap (1600m) this Saturday.

The daughter of Preferment has won three of her four starts over a mile, with her only defeat coming in The Coast (1600m) at Gosford when she was held up behind a tiring runner.

“She got stuck behind one that dropped back sharply,” Deamer said. “She wouldn’t have won but she definitely should’ve finished closer.”

Rapt, a noted backmarker, will be looking for a solid early tempo to suit her racing pattern. She boasts five wins from 19 starts, including a victory in the Hawkesbury heat of the Provincial-Midway Championships earlier this year.

After a midfield finish in the Final behind Matcha Latte, Deamer gave Rapt a freshen-up, aiming to preserve her sharpness for another go at the mile on testing ground.

“She worked home well last time but the pace was too slow early,” Deamer explained. “She needs speed in the race and hopefully gets that this time.”

Saturday’s main danger appears to be Joe Pride’s Cool Jakey, a proven wet tracker, although Deamer is confident Rapt’s love of the mile and soft tracks keeps her firmly in the contest.

“Cool Jakey loves the wet, but he’s a query at the mile,” he said. “My mare handles it and has the right form. And Ash Morgan back aboard is a big plus – he knows her well.”

Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott will also saddle two interesting runners in Gold Bullion, a stakes winner over the trip, and debuting import Asian Daze.

To check odds or bet on Rapt and the Randwick card, visit Australia’s best betting sites.