Phillip Stokes acknowledges that managing Stretan Angel can be difficult at times, but he remains optimistic the talented yet unpredictable mare can deliver her best performance in Saturday’s $1 million The Meteorite at Cranbourne.

The Meteorite (1200m), now in its second running, is a slot race introduced by Southside Racing, operators of the Cranbourne and Pakenham tracks, with The Meteorite staged on Cranbourne Cup Day and its sister race, The Supernova (1400m), run on Pakenham Cup Day.

A three-time Group 1 placegetter, Stretan Angel broke a lengthy winning drought when scoring in the Listed Alinghi Stakes (1100m) two starts ago, only to follow it with a below-par showing in the Group 3 Kirin Ichiban Sprint (1100m) at Flemington.

Stokes remains comfortable with where the five-year-old is at, accepting her form fluctuations as part of the package.

“She’s been like that for the last two years,” Stokes said.

“We gave her some fast work Saturday morning and everything says she’s going as good as ever.

“She’s run some slashing races at the elite level, but I feel she’s still there. If she can get the race run to suit, she will run a good race.”

Stokes initially intended to run her in the Group 3 How Now Stakes (1200m) — eventually won by Proved — but the pull of a seven-figure prize proved irresistible once Southside Racing came calling.

“When they rang us up and gave us the offer, we thought, why not?” Stokes said.

“It’s worth a lot of money. She’s got a lot of black type already, so we’ll chase the money.”

The Cranbourne 1200m chute start is similar to Caulfield’s layout, something Stokes hopes will allow Stretan Angel to secure the tempo and room she needs.

“Good speed. Good speed and clear room – that’s what she needs.”

Stretan Angel sits at $13 in early markets, with Zou Sensation holding favouritism at $4.50. If you’re comparing odds for The Meteorite, see the JHR bookmakers guide.