Her last win came at Cessnock under previous trainer Damien Lane and since switching to Smith's care, hasn't been able to get back on the board yet.

Fanny Chenal's last two efforts this preparation have been at Narromine and Dubbo as she's finished 8^th and 7^th respectively, both times over 1300 metres on the good four surface.

While she's had most of her career success over the mile, Wednesday's dash will be 1400 metres and that 110-yard increase on her last two starts should be one the mare appreciates.

Smith's joked about the draws she's had recently and while the 7^th barrier would normally be fairly wide, there's 16 horses competing in the Benchmark 74 Handicap on Thursday, meaning Anthony Cavallo should be able to sit off the pace somewhere cozy.

There's no denying the quality in Thursday's race and Fanny Chenal - with a benchmark of 51 - could be a pinch out of her depths but only time will tell.

Michael Mulholland's Potent Force has drawn the ninth barrier and will be first-up after a dynamite preparation last time around, the form guide reading '12521' over the gelding's last five starts.

Gavin Groth's Redemption Road has drawn the second gate and is second-up after running sixth at Scone last time out and looks to improve on three career wins to date.

Rounding out the contenders list is Barry Molloy's Caszar who will be ridden by Greg Ryan coming out of gate eight. The seven-year-old gelding has been strong on the quicker tracks and has placed five times in-a-row on a good surface.

Smith will also watch on as Electrostep and Krissy Krystyna are set race in the $20,000 Hermitage Hill Country Retreat Maiden Plate (1100m), the second event of the day.

Krissy Krystyna had a disappointing run at Mudgee on May 20 but prior to that, put together back-to-back third place gallops in her first two starts back from a spelll.

The duo jumps at 12.55 while Fanny Chenal takes off at 4.05 pm