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After debutants Nimbus Flare and Nimbus Star drew wide at their first outings on Saturday, trainer Mahadi Taib knew some good old-fashioned luck will be needed for either of them to win.

Nimbus Flare  would jump from gate 13 in the $20,000 Maiden race over 1200m while Nimbus Star would begin from barrier 11 in the $50,000 Class 4 Division 1 race over 1100m.

The Esther Stable-owned runners looked well placed to show something on debut in relatively suitable races, but the outside barriers threw a wet blanket on their chances, albeit Mahadi took it in his stride when quizzed on Thursday.

"It is what it is," lamented the Singaporean conditioner.

"I would have liked better gates for both horses as it's tough enough on debut without having to worry about getting caught wide or back.

"But I'm happy with how the pair are going leading into Saturday's races, so let's hope for some luck."

Of his maiden runner – Nimbus Flare – Mahadi had been impressed with how the four-year-old son of Nadeem improved with every piece of work, including his gallop on Tuesday.

"He galloped on Tuesday and (jockey) Iskandar (Rosman) said he has improved again, which is good news," said Mahadi.

"We were very happy with how he trialled (finished fourth to Rubik Kid in trial no 1 on 21 September) and he came out of that trial really well.

"His barrier is a big worry, especially at his first race. We're not sure how we will go from there, but hopefully Iskandar can settle just behind the speed. You never know what's going to happen in maiden races.

"If he gets a good position, he should finish off the race well and will benefit from the race experience."

Nimbus Star - a four-year-old by Time Test – will face a similar tough task from his wide gate, but Mahadi had at least some knowledge of his opposition in a pretty good Class 4 field.

"There looks to be plenty of early speed in this race," said Mahadi, who has 16 wins this year so far.

"Win Win has drawn the widest gate (14) and he likes to go forward. Cash Cove has speed and also drawn wide (12), so (jockey) Krisna (Thangamani) may be able to get a nice sit behind the speed.

"But he's (Nimbus Star) a nice horse and Krisna was very happy with his trial (finished first in trial no 4 in the time of 1 min 1.61secs on 14 September).

"Krisna galloped him on Tuesday and said the horse has relaxed since that trial, which was also a positive sign.

"He's an easy horse to work with and if he gets some cover, he will hit the line well.

"The owner bought both horses privately. It would be good if they can get another winner soon (Nimbus Cloud won for the stable in a Class 4 race on 30 July) as they have been very supportive".

Of his other five runners on Saturday, Mahadi suggested Mr Big Brother will appreciate the drop back to recent winning company in the $30,000 Class 5 race (1600m) on the Polytrack.

"I think Mr Big Brother has found the right race," said Mahadi of the Al Maher eight-year-old.

"He found it tough in Class 4 and was wide throughout at his last start (in a Class 4 race over 1700m on 16 September) from a bad gate (10).

"So he's a chance over his winning trip and track in Class 5. He has drawn better (seven) and (jockey) Benny (Woodworth) had won on him twice, so that's also in his favour."