By Mathew Toogood

SYDNEY, Aug 25 AAP - Drawing the outside barrier in a $1 million race would frustrate most trainers but Tim Martin doesn't see it as a complete disadvantage for Sasa on Saturday.

Sasa will start from gate 15 in the Group One Golden Rose (1400m) at Rosehill, but in a surprising assessment Martin doesn't believe it will severely affect the talented filly's chances.

"If it was other horses of mine I would be very disappointed but with her it's not a total disadvantage," Martin said.

"She can be tardy out of the barriers and if she was slow to begin from an inside barrier she would be back in the ruck.

"From out there if she is tardy away or jumps well we can ride her accordingly."

The Encosta De Lago filly has already proven herself in Group One company when she was beaten a head by Skilled in the Champagne Stakes (1600m) at Randwick last preparation.

Rider Tye Angland lodged an unsuccessful protest against Skilled's jockey Josh Parr that day, alleging interference in the early stages of the race.

Sasa heads into the Golden Rose second-up after finishing just under four lengths behind Golden Rose rival Squamosa when eighth in the Group Three Run To The Rose (1300m) on August 14.

The Run To The Rose was run on a slow track and Sasa is expected to appreciate getting onto a firmer surface in the season's first Group One.

Her best two performances so far in her five starts have both been on tracks rated good.

Martin scratched Sasa from her scheduled return in The Rosebud Quality (1100m) on July 31 because of the heavy conditions.

"I'm very happy with her," the Rosehill trainer said.

"The distance is short of her best and she'll be better as she gets over further, but it's a $1 million Group One at your back door so you've got to have a go."

Angland has ridden Sasa in all five starts including the filly's only win so far - a Hawkesbury maiden in which she defeated the exciting Parables.

The young jockey retains the ride in the Golden Rose and heads into the meeting in good form having ridden a stakes double at Warwick Farm last Saturday on Blackball in the Group Three Up And Coming Stakes and Kenny's World in the Listed Show County Quality.

Sasa is a $41 chance with the David Payne-trained Masquerader the favourite at $4.20 ahead of Golden Slipper winner Crystal Lily ($4.60) who will be out to join Forensics as a Golden Slipper-Golden Rose winner.