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By Ray Hickson

She’s only had one racing preparation but consistent mare Edna could already claim iron horse status as she chases her fourth win in a campaign stretching back to early June at Randwick on Saturday.

And trainer Craig Carmody says the mare is showing no signs of stopping so is happy to give her the chance to step up in grade in the Egroup Security Handicap (1200m), her 11th career start.

Edna started her career on June 8 and ran sixth in a Canterbury maiden but that’s a distant memory now evidenced by successive easy Canterbury wins.

“She’s definitely improved as the preparation has gone on,’’ Carmody said.

“She’s been a great eater, very resilient, and every time we’ve taken her to the races she’s come home and done nothing but thrive.

“She’s had quite a few runs, she’s been in since the middle of the year, but with every step we’ve given her she’s taken it.

“I haven’t had one that’s sustained and enjoyed the preparation like she has. And she’s jumping around as though she hasn’t been to the races this time in.”

It’s fair to say Edna, $7.50 with TAB on Thursday, is close to the end of her initial campaign but after lengthy discussion with the mare’s owners Carmody said there was no reason not to test the waters.

With January fast approaching the races will only get stronger and that’s in the back of his mind.

Edna wins at Canterbury on December 9

“It’s the time of the year before the better ones come back so we thought let’s give her one more go in Saturday class and see where she measures up,’’ he said.

“It looks a race that’s suitable, she’s drawn a nice gate, so why not have a go with her.”

Edna, with Kathy O’Hara again in the saddle, has always shown tactical speed to put herself in a position to win and that’s what Carmody hopes she can do again at Randwick.

“She’s had a couple of things go her way, which early in the prep weren’t going her way,’’ he said.

“The races she’s run in have been run to suit her. Whether she’s going to get that remains to be seen but she’s done everything right and deserves her shot.

“If the race is run to suit she is going to be competitive.”

Carmody has a pair of two-year-olds in Zenmaster and Cha Cha Cha stepping out for their debuts in the Grainshaker Australian Vodka Handicap (1200m).

Both youngsters contested the trial won by Empire Of Japan at Randwick a couple of weeks ago, finishing third and fourth respectively.

“They are precocious two-year-olds and with every step they’ve taken they have been looking for the next one,’’ he said.

“Cha Cha Cha is a big strong gross type who is a tremendous eater which is going to hold her in good stead. To match she has a bit of attitude.

“They’ve both drawn favourably so they will get their chance.”

All the fields, form and replays for Saturday’s Randwick meeting