The 2011 Chipping Norton Stakes signalled a turning point in Sacred Choice’s autumn preparation and trainer Joe Pride expects the same this time around.

After a couple of moderate runs, the blinkers went on before last year’s Group One Chipping Norton (1600m) at Warwick Farm and the mare ran a flashy third.

Twelve months on and Sacred Choice has had two unplaced lead-up runs but with blinkers to go on again and a suitable wet track, Pride is predicting a similar result.

“The expectation is there again this year,” Pride said.

“The blinkers go on and I think she will come good and if they raced today (Monday) it would be heavy.”

The mare’s preparation is once again centred on the Doncaster Mile which she won last year and after the Chipping Norton she runs in the Ranvet (2000m).

Stepping horses up in distance before bringing them back is something that works for Pride who has done the same thing with Saturday’s Newmarket Handicap contender Rain Affair who goes back to 1200 metres after winning the Apollo Stakes (1400m).

“It toughens them up and suits my style of training,” Pride said.

There was a maximum field size 16 entries for the Chipping Norton, the first Group One of the Sydney autumn.

Other than Sacred Choice, there are nine Group One winners entered headed by Cox Plate winner Pinker Pinker.

Last year’s Chipping Norton winner Danleigh will be there along with his Chris Waller-trained stablemates, the 2010 Doncaster winner Rangirangdoo, and Shoot Out, winner of the 2010 AJC Australian Derby when trained by John Wallace.

Scenic Shot and Niwot are also entered for the Flemington meeting on Saturday while last year’s Chipping Norton runner-up Centennial Park is striving for his first Group One victory.

Pride also has Neeson in the Group Three Liverpool City Cup ().

“He runs in the Cup and goes back to 1200 metres for the TJ Smith,” he said.

“I’m pleased with him.”