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Danielle Seib has only had Denarau for one campaign consisting of four runs, however, the mare’s latest showing at Moruya gives her a real sense that this Saturday’s TAB Highway Handicap is far from 'festive overreach.’

“It was a top shelf run against the pattern of the day. She relished the extra journey and you think she would eat up the Randwick mile off that,” Seib indicated.

Tommy Berry returns on Denarau after a Wyong win. Image by Bradley Photographers

Denarau ($19 on TAB) wears saddle cloth nine in the penultimate Highway Handicap for 2023, with Seib no stranger to knowing what it takes to win one, having won four in the past 12 months.

The Goulburn-based trainer took charge of the daughter of So You Think in the spring, the mare now only 10 starts into a career that has netted positive results albeit frustratingly just one victory.

“She had a long time off and due to few little variables we were unable to get two trials for her before the first-up run,” Seib said.

Seib says the mare is now just about where she needs to be to find a peak performance.

“The Guy Walter was a run she needed and almost got the job done at Orange the start after. She’s a mare that I think needs good consistent racing to reach her peak over a mile.“

An impost of 59kg added further merit to the mare’s recent runner-up result at Moruya. She drops 4kg for Saturday’s contest and couldn't have drawn better (in three) if Santa had said pick a number!

Tyler Schiller takes the ride with Seib not too worried about team meetings for tactics.

“You never need to tell Tyler too much and I’m not a big fan of tying jockeys down with tactics. Speed is always genuine in Highways so she should get her chance,” Seib said.

Some more rain would be ideal as well.

“Would love to see a further downgrade, she would thrive on very wet track. Whether we get that Saturday remains to be seen.”

Seib also believes longer trips are something that could be a real option after Saturday.

“I think you will see the best of her beyond a mile. She gives me that indication in her work at home and her last run would also suggest that.”

View final fields with full form & race replays for Royal Randwick here