Leith Innes is upbeat about his feature race prospects at Hawke’s Bay on Saturday, despite acknowledging the ruling favourites cast a significant shadow.

He takes the ride on the Frank Ritchie-trained Fiscal Fantasy in the Gr.1 Livamol Classic (2040m) who is coming off a last start third in the Listed Haunui Farm Karaka Classic (1600m) at Pukekohe two weeks ago, pleasing Innes with her effort.

“She went really well at Pukekohe, she was a little bit unlucky,” he said.

Innes believes the five-year-old mare is a good chance to run a place in a market heavily dominated by $1.25 favourite Melody Belle.

“Take Melody Belle out, it’s a pretty open field, so I’ll be riding for luck and hopefully she runs well.”

Earlier on the card Innes rides last-start winner Sherwood Forest in the Gr.2 Sacred Falls Hawke’s Bay Guineas (1400m) for trainer Tony Pike.

“I haven’t ridden him before. Obviously Catalyst looks pretty hard to roll, but he won at Ruakaka well, so he deserves his spot in the race.”