By Adam Hamilton
It is no secret star Aussie filly Petacular is a prime target with Kiwi officials for the Harness Jewels.
The way she pushed unbeaten Kiwi filly Partyon to the limit in the NSW Oaks, underlined Petacular’s immense potential.
The thought of rematch in the NZ Oaks and/or Harness Jewels is mouth-watering.
So the Harness Jewels invite looks a “lock” if Petacular comes through her Victoria Oaks campaign well.
It starts when the Mick Stanley-trained filly steps out in the first and strongest of the two Victoria Oaks heats at Melton tomorrow (Friday) night.
Petacular is a $1.30 favourite on the Aussie TAB despite the fact she’s drawn the back row (gate nine) and facing the second-best filly in the series, Miss Graceland (gate eight).
“She’s come on really well since winning at Melton a couple of weeks back,” Stanley said. “I couldn’t be happier with how she’s come back from Sydney.”
In regards the Jewels, Stanley said it’s right on the radar, but nothing will be locked away until after next week’s Victoria Oaks final.
“This is one of her big goals of the season, our home state Oaks,” he said.
“Once we’re through this and if she’s well, then the NZ Oaks and Jewels are on the agenda. I’d say she’s more likely to go than not.
“She’s the right sort of filly for it. She’s had two trips to Sydney now and come through them well. She seems to take the travel in her stride.”
Petacular’s task in the Victoria Oaks has been much easier by the fact no Kiwis have made the trip across to tackle the series.
The major players in the second heat are NSW visitor Shezallapples, who ran fourth in the NSW Oaks, and talented Victorian filly Keayang Secret, who ran second to Petacular in the 3YO Classic at Melton on March 17.
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