Double Grand Slam might be the one to beat in the Group 1 Empress Club Stakes but all being well, Candice Bass hoping Rainbow Lorikeet can go one better this time.

The wide spaces of the Turrfontein course on Saturday is set to suit Bass' four-year-old but it is the 24-hour travel by road in the lead-up that is her biggest concern.

With only a couple of days to settle after arrival before the 1600-metre fillies and mares highlight, it is other not so good experiences that are playing on her mind.

Having travelled the mare twice over long distances towards a race day, Bass has needed to treat Rainbow Lorikeet twice for colic symptoms and is hoping that all goes well this time over the 24-hour long journey.

Neither Double Grand Slam or Rainbow Lorikeet have raced since the Group 1 Majorca Stakes (1600m) on January 31 where the latter was beaten by a neck-margin.

"I'm chasing that group one with her and she was really unlucky last time," Bass said.

"She takes on the same mare who always seems to have her number over a mile but I think she'll love the Turffontein long galloping course with the long run in.

"I think she'll enjoy that."

Bass adds that should Rainbow Lorikeet, who has only missed a placing in seven of her 26 starts so far, travels well then she can be just as competitive.

"She'll have Double Grand Slam to beat again but maybe the big galloping track will suit us better."

Photo: Chase Liebenberg