Trainer Rex Lipp hopes enigmatic mare Express Air will solve a stable dilemma after tackling the Sky Racing International Handicap at Eagle Farm on Saturday.Express Air is stepping up to 2100 metres for the first time and a good performance could steer Lipp towards giving her a campaign aimed at the Group One Doomben Cup (2020m) campaign during the Brisbane winter carnival.However, if she fails to acquit herself over a middle distance Lipp may send her to Sydney for the autumn carnival with a vi

Trainer Rex Lipp hopes enigmatic mare Express Air will solve a stable dilemma after tackling the Sky Racing International Handicap at Eagle Farm on Saturday.

Express Air is stepping up to 2100 metres for the first time and a good performance could steer Lipp towards giving her a campaign aimed at the Group One Doomben Cup (2020m) campaign during the Brisbane winter carnival.

However, if she fails to acquit herself over a middle distance Lipp may send her to Sydney for the autumn carnival with a view to the Group One Coolmore Classic (1500m) at Rosehill in March.

The four-year-old let Lipp and her followers down when she could manage only ninth to Hidden Wonder in the Magic Millions Stayers Cup (1800m) at the Gold Coast last Saturday.

Express Air has always shown above average ability but her career statistics of just three wins from 18 starts don't back up her true potential which she underlined by claiming last year's Group Two Queensland Guineas (1600m) at Eagle Farm.

Lipp has gone back through her record and believes he's found the answer to why she may be under-performing.

"I've gone back through her career and most of the time she's failed I've used a small saddle on her," Lipp said.

"She needs a bigger saddle with more padding so I've decided to use Jim Byrne who can ride in a heavier saddle."

Byrne replaces Stathi Katsidis, who won his first Magic Millions Classic on Military Rose at the Gold Coast last Saturday.

Lipp stressed there has been no fallout or problem with Katsidis' ride on Express Air in the Stayers Cup.

"There's no problem with Stathi at all," Lipp said.

"It's just that Jim can use a heavier saddle whereas Stathi can't."

Lipp was not overly disappointed with Express Air's last start defeat when she was beaten just over four lengths and is hoping to get a gauge on whether she can stay.

"She was one of a few horses that made up ground at the Gold Coast and if she can stay then we'll get her ready for Doomben Cup and some of the other staying races during the winter," he said.

"Saturday will decide where we go with her. If she shows she can't stay then I'll still have time to freshen her up for the Coolmore Classic.

"It's just a matter of can she stay or can't she."

Katsidis has recovered from a virus and has declared his fitness to fulfil his six Eagle Farm commitments.