Gai Waterhouse has an impressive record in the Mackinnon Stakes and jockey Nash Rawiller believes she can further enhance it with Theseo at Flemington on Saturday.Waterhouse has won the 2000m weight-for-age feature with the likes of All Our Mob (1996), Grand Armee (2004) and Desert War (2006) and Rawiller feels Epsom Handicap Theseo is well placed to join them."The horse was set for the Epsom and had he not run so well (when fifth to Maldivian) in the Cox Plate we may have been tempted to wait f

Gai Waterhouse has an impressive record in the Mackinnon Stakes and jockey Nash Rawiller believes she can further enhance it with Theseo at Flemington on Saturday.

Waterhouse has won the 2000m weight-for-age feature with the likes of All Our Mob (1996), Grand Armee (2004) and Desert War (2006) and Rawiller feels Epsom Handicap Theseo is well placed to join them.

"The horse was set for the Epsom and had he not run so well (when fifth to Maldivian) in the Cox Plate we may have been tempted to wait for the Emirate Stakes," he said.

"My gut feeling was that he deserved another chance at 2000 metres and the Mackinnon looked a great option."

Rawiller said he did not want to make any calls on whether he would lead on the Danewin five-year-old.

"I'll make that decision when I leave the barriers," he said.

"He has that nice gate (two) and he should be in a very comfortable position."

Rawiller said he was very happy with his ride on Theseo in the Cox Plate when he elected to sit behind race leader Maldivian.

"Sitting outside Maldivian he just wasn't going to relax. I had to get in behind him to get him to relax or keep him striding but I don't think Maldivian was going to hand up (the lead)," he said.

"It would have completely changed the complexion of the race if I'd kept going. I made a split second decision (not to).

"The only thing I regret is riding him so aggressively out of the barriers."

Also backing up from the Cox Plate is Princess Coup who finished ninth of the 12 runners after settling back at the rear in a slowly-run race.

The Encosta De Lago mare, who was runner-up in last year's Mackinnon behind longshot winner Sirmione, will be ridden by Craig Newitt replacing the suspended Opie Bosson and will appreciate a stronger pace and the more spacious track on Saturday as she attempts to win her first Group One race in Australia.

She was also runner-up to Sirmione in this year's Australian Cup (2000m) at Flemington when shuffled back through the field.

Sirmione, who finished second last after getting back in the Cox Plate, will also appreciate the spacious Flemington track and along with stablemate Viewed could further enhance master trainer Bart Cummings' great record in the race.

Cummings, who has won the Mackinnon 10 times, is after his 250th Group One winner and his 77th at Flemington alone.

The Mark Walker-trained Princess Coup is $3.50 favourite with TAB Sportsbet ahead of Turnbull Stakes winner Littorio at $5, Theseo ($6), Sirmione ($6.50) and Red Ruler at $7.50, with Caulfield Cup placegetter Barbaricus at ($9) and Brisbane Cup winner Viewed best of the rest at $14.