Our Alley Cat will have several disadvantages to contend with in the Gr.3 J Swap Sprint (1400m) at Te Rapa on Saturday, but trainer Vicki Prendergast hopes the score can be evened out with Opie Bosson on board.

A winner of seven races, and more than $311,000 in stakes, Our Alley Cat sits on top of the book in the feature sprint with 59kg, her closest rivals being Romancing The Moon and Jodelin Gal, five kilograms adrift, and the rest of the 14-horse field on the minimum.

The seven-year-old mare earned her 99 rating with classy, and often bridesmaid-status performances through the group sprints in past seasons, which she rectified with a deserved black-type victory in the Gr.3 Spring Sprint (1400m) at Hastings in October.

Typically among the quickest out of the gates, Our Alley Cat was uncharacteristically slow away last-start in the Gr.2 Auckland Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1400m) at Pukekohe, and was unable to take up her usual on-speed position in the running, finishing an eventual sixth behind Campionessa.

“She just missed the kick at Pukekohe. She was supposed to load last but that didn’t happen, and she’s pretty naughty in the gates so apparently when the gates opened she was playing up. She’s no good getting back like that,” Prendergast said.

“She’s been fine since then and she’s in really good order for Saturday, we’re really happy with her.”

Our Alley Cat will also contend with a wide draw in 12 at Te Rapa, Prendergast’s decision to start her mare fairly reliant on having the expertise of Bosson in the saddle.

“I reckon Opie takes about five kilos off and she has to be a chance when he gets on her. I’m not sure I’d start her with anyone else, but having him on, I think it’s worth giving her a go,” she said.

Although identifying the mare’s pet distance as 1400m, Prendergast is debating a start in the Gr.1 Sistema Railway (1200m) on New Year’s Day at Pukekohe over the mile features through the summer.

“I haven’t really decided on the Railway, I’ve kept her nomination in because I think she’s better over 1200m than she is over a mile, so we’re still thinking on that one.”