La Dolce Vita's good barrier and extra fitness has trainer Bradley Smith hopeful the filly can overcome a weight disadvantage to give him his first stakes winner.

A last-start second to Secret Saga two weeks ago, La Dolce Vita will line up against the same filly in Saturday's Listed Mode Plate (1200m) at Doomben.

Smith acknowledges La Dolce Vita is worse off at level handicaps after getting 2.5kg from Secret Saga when they last met.

"On face value you would think we couldn't beat Secret Saga," Smith said.

"I am not knocking Secret Saga who is very smart. But there are a couple of things which might tip it back our way," Smith said.

"La Dolce Vita missed a jump-out before her last start because of wet weather. It meant she went into the race without a run of any type for six weeks."

The fact La Dolce Vita has drawn barrier four and Secret Saga barrier 13 has also given Smith some confidence.

"I don't think we have to lead and I would be happy to sit back third or fourth with cover," he said.

"The inside barriers have had a big advantage at Doomben in recent weeks and it will probably be the case again on Saturday."

Win or lose, La Dolce Vita will go for a spell after Saturday's run.

"She is still that one preparation away from being at her very best," Smith said.

"I would hope she would be up to some of the fillies and mares stakes races in the winter and maybe even something a bit better," Smith said.