Trainer David Murphy will go against his better judgment and start Unica Bahaya from a horror outside barrier at Eagle Farm on Saturday.

Murphy is hoping to get a winter carnival guide on the Piccolo filly who has drawn barrier 20 in the Iceworks Bar Paddington Handicap (1200m).

The filly, who is part-owned by former top jockey Larry Olsen, was nominated for a restricted race at Randwick earlier this month but Murphy preferred to stay at home.

"We nominated her for a race at Randwick recently but the money in the QTIS races here is too good to ignore," Murphy said.

Murphy, who was a champion apprentice in Brisbane before taking out a trainer's licence several years ago, is hopeful the three-year-old will measure up to some of the better races during the winter carnival.

Unica Bahaya has started only five times and is yet to miss a place with two wins and three placings.

She produced an eye-catching performance for star apprentice Tim Bell at her last appearance when she stormed home for third to Our Mr Cashman at Doomben on February 20.

"The barrier is a disappointment but she'll have to run as she hasn't started for a month," Murphy said.

"She made up a lot of ground last start even though she took a short cut.

"It's hard to win anywhere when they get back so far like she did last start, especially at Doomben."

Murphy is confident Unica Bahaya won't be out of her depth in some of the stronger fillies and mares races during the winter.

"I think she can run 1600 metres even though she's by Piccolo and her breeding suggests she'd struggle at the distance," Murphy said.

"She relaxes so well in her races that I can't see 1600 metres being a problem."

Murphy plans to test the waters for a winter carnival assault in the Listed Queensland Day Handicap (1350m) at Doomben on April 17.

"If she goes well in that then the Princess Stakes would be her next start before we look at some of the better races during the winter," he said.

The Listed Princess Stakes (1600m) will be run at Eagle Farm on April 24.

Murphy believes Unica Bahaya is not necessarily a backmarker even though he expects her to get back again from her outside barrier.

"She'll probably have to get back from this alley but she's got good gate speed and she can use it if required," he said.