That's the feeling of Dubbo trainer Brett Robb, as he prepares the tough-as-nails veteran for Saturday's $130,000 ACY Securities Handicap (1200m) at Royal Randwick.

A model of consistency in recent times, the nine-year-old has finished second in each of his past four starts.

He's also won twice in nine starts this preparation but the big question mark if the 1200m distance of the $1.3 million Kosciuszko.

"The 1400m is probably more his go but I've been keeping him fresh and giving him four or five weeks between runs and he's been very competitive over 1300," Robb said.

"Looking at some of the horses in the [Kosciuszko] market, he might be racing as well as them.

"I thought I'd take him to town and put over 1200 to see if he's good enough for the Kosciuszko. If he can go and be competitive he's got to be half a chance."

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The Kosciuszko is the richest race in the world for country-trained horses and winning tickets for a slot in the race are drawn next Thursday.

A strong run on Saturday would put this year's Narromine Diggers Cup and Mudgee Gooree Cup winner right in the shop window.

Something working in A Magic Zariz's favour on Saturday is the weights.

Given his benchmark rating, A Magic Zariz regularly carries more than 60kg and he finished second in the Coonamble Cannonball in June with 63.5kg on his back.

On Saturday, with leading jockey and former Dubbo apprentice Kathy O'Hara in the saddle, A Magic Zariz will carry just 57.5kg.

"Someone said to me the other day he hasn't been around that weight since 2018," Robb said.,

"It will be a lot easier. People say the weight doesn't bother him but this has got to help him, I think."

It will also help considering Robb got no luck with the barrier draw. A Magic Zariz drew gate 14 and while he will come in by the time the race jumps, the trainer admitted it was disappointing and makes his task that little more difficult.

But Robb does consider A Magic Zariz to be racing in career best form heading into start number 49.

He's also pulled as well as he could from his most recent start, the second over 1300m at Newcastle last month.

"The month between runs does him well. He's done a lot of miles he's been to Newcastle twice, Kembla, and Canterbury. He's really well and as good as I've had him," Robb added.

If things don't work out as hoped on Saturday, Robb does have a handy fall-back option.

Depending on how A Magic Zariz recovers from the Randwick race, he is likely to be nominated for next weekend's $100,000 Dubbo Gold Cup. The weight there, in a country cup, could again pose an issue but these are all problems Robb is happy to deal with given he's in the position to target such events.

The up-and-coming trainer is quickly making a name for himself after taking over the bulk of the horses formerly trained by his father, the great Nyngan trainer Rodney Robb.

The numbers at the new Dubbo stables continue to grow and a number of feature events are now being targeted.

Bean Hot was nominated for Saturday's $100,000 Highway at Randwick but has been scratched. His ultimate goal is next year's Country Championships meeting but is also set to step out at his home track next weekend.

Messy Miss is likely to be put forward for the $50,000 Flying sprint on Gold Cup Day while On A Promise, who was Robb's first winner in September of last year, is set to be one of the favourites for next month's $50,000 Picnic Championships Final at Coonamble.

"We're having a bit of luck," Robb said.

"In this game everyone has good and bad runs and we're in a bit of a purple patch. Everyone is happy and things are going well."

A Magic Zariz races at 4.30pm on Saturday while Robb also has a number of chances heading towards Monday's eight-race meeting at Wellington.

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