John Sadler is optimistic about his chances at Ballarat today, where his promising gallopers Emperossa and Irish Golfer are vying for a spot in the winner’s circle.

Emperossa will be having just her second career start after producing a pleasing result on debut at Geelong last start.

The four-year-old mare finished third by just over a length despite striking interference during the race.

“I was pretty pleased with her performance at Geelong,” Sadler said.

“She struck a little bit of interference and I thought her effort to run third was really good.”

The Testa Rossa mare will contest today’s Porter Plant Fillies and Mares Maiden Plate and will have to contend with the second widest barrier of 11 in the race.

“I think from that alley she’s going to have to go back,” Sadler said.

Sadler is hopeful the Testa Rossa mare will be able to cement her quality broodmare status by becoming a good city class horse in the near future.

“She’s going to need a little bit of experience but hopefully she can reach city grade down the track,” he said.

The trainer will also saddle up five-year-old Irish Golfer in Race 7 today.

The High Chaparral gelding has won just one of his 11 race starts, however, displayed his true ability when finishing second by a nose to Secret Stealth last run.

Sadler admitted the horse had experienced a few niggling issues since his last run, but still feels he is a winning chance in today’s race.

“He’s a horse that can make his own luck,” he said.

“I think he’s got a really nice chance today.”

The Flemington-based trainer is confident that the track at Ballarat would suit both his horses in today’s race program.

“I spoke to (Ballarat trainer) Darren Weir and he thought it would be perfect,” Sadler said.