David Jolly can continue a stellar 2020 when promising filly Biarchi tackles the $1.5m Victoria Oaks (2500m) at Flemington on Thursday.
Jolly has enjoyed a brilliant run winning two Group 1 races with Behemoth and a host of local features this season and said the daughter of Free Eagle gives every impression she will run the Oaks distance.
“We always thought she would develop into a nice staying type,’’ Jolly said.
“We threw in a nomination early and this race has snuck up on her, but she goes over there in really good form.
“It’s always difficult to know if they’ll run the 2500m but I get the feeling she’ll be fine,’’ he said.
Biarchi won her maiden at Murray Bridge over 1800m before heading to town and proving too smart for the older horses on Saturday and while an Oaks tilt might seem ambitious, Jolly said it would be a good pointer to what’s in store long term.
“She’s come through her win on Saturday really well,’’ Jolly said.
“It’s obviously a big jump in class going from a maiden to a benchmark 58 and then an Oaks but she’s really coming into her own now she’s out in distance
“And it should set her up well for some nice three-year-old races here next year,’’ he said.
Fellow South Australian trainer Michael Hickmott has last-start Leon Macdonald Stakes winner Sky Punch tackling the $125,000 Subzero Handicap for the greys, Gordon Richards will be out to continue his great run with Garner in the $175,000 Listed Century Stakes while the Tony and Calvin McEvoy stable have four fillies in the $200,000 Group 3 Red Roses (1100m).
Luke Currie sticks with Celestine, Kerrin McEvoy rides Maha, Melbourne Cup winning jockey Jye McNeil has been booked for Zoushine while Jamie Kah partners impressive last-start Morphettville winner Amuri.