Tara Cochrane is a realist when it comes to the placement of her horses.

Just over a week ago the Pakenham-based trainer landed her first city victory when Jersey Whistler was successful at a midweek meeting at Moonee Valley.

The son of Masterpiece will be attempting to give Cochrane her first Saturday winner when he lines-up in the Noel Elizabeth Barter Handicap (1000m) at Caulfield.

Cochrane briefly considered running Jersey Whistler in the Group Three Bletchingly Stakes (1200m) on the same program before deciding on the easier option.

"I chickened out," Cochrane said.

"I think of the horses first and I'd rather let him step up through his grades instead of breaking his heart.

"The (benchmark) 78 was more ideal."

Cochrane is hoping the forecast rain arrives and softens the Caulfield track which is currently rated a good four.

She said Jersey Whistler raced well fresh and was happy on the wet surface when successful over 1000m at Moonee Valley.

"He likes small, tight tracks and with it being wet he was always going to be there at Moonee Valley," she said.

"He does run pretty well fresh so it will be interesting to see he goes on a 10-day back up."

Cochrane, who has nine horses in work, said Jersey Whistler had continued to thrive since his last-start win.

He worked at Pakenham on Thursday morning and the trainer said he looked in terrific order as he prepared for a possible second city success.

"I can't fault him," she said.

"He looks great and is racing really well.

"Hopefully the weather can turn for us at Caulfield."