The stakes success of Avoid Lightning last weekend has given trainer Brian Cox an added confidence boost as he prepares Sumakaray for her biggest test at Caulfield.

Three-year-old Sumarakay hasn’t started since winning at Moonee Valley on December 29 when she defeated South Australian mare Avoid Lightning.

The David Jolly-trained Avoid Lightning reappeared at Caulfield last Saturday to win the Listed W.J Adams Stakes (1000m) in open company.

Sumakaray, winner of four of her five starts, has been installed favourite for Saturday’s Listed Kevin Hayes Stakes (1200m) as she chases a first black-type win.

“This is a different ball game for her, but it gives you a little bit of heart the way she won at Moonee Valley,” the Wodonga-based Cox said.

“And Avoid Lightning came out and won at Caulfield last Saturday which was good to see.

“I’m not getting too cocky but I’m happy with her.”

Sumakaray was due to run two weeks ago but Cox was forced to wait because the filly was tying up.

He said she was over that issue and ready to run well on Saturday.

The daughter of Manner Hill is the $3.20 favourite ahead of Members Joy at $4.80.

The Kevin Hayes Stakes is one of two Listed events picked out for Sumakaray in Melbourne.

The other is the Typhoon Tracy Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley on February 22.

“If she pulls up well from this and wins then we hope to go there,” Cox said.