Drawn to secure another Group One

A FAVORABLE draw has promising squaregaiter Adelaide Red in a solid position to secure another Group One this weekend.

Providing trainer Amy Day with her initial top shelf victory thanks to her Breeders’ Crown success last December, Adelaide Red is engaged in Saturday night’s New South Wales Trotters’ Oaks at Club Menangle.

To be driven by Day, the daughter of Pastor Stephen has drawn barrier four, but slots into three with a removal of the emergency.

Blessed with gate speed, Adelaide Red is expected to settle in a prominent position during the early stages of the 1609-metre classic.

“I’m very happy with the draw,” Day said. “She comes out quickly, so hopefully we can be in, or near, the lead.”

Scoring in Maryborough on April 20 when first-up from a four-month spell, the filly is on the fourth line of betting at $8 with TAB Fixed Odds.

In what shapes as a wide open affair, Jilliby Aura is the $2.60 favourite from gate five, with Elle Perfecto the main danger at $3.20 from 10.

Talented but wayward youngster Gladiatrix is next at $6.50 from barrier 11.

“It is a very even field,” Day said. “I was happy with my filly’s first run back and she has tightened up since.

“It’s a long drive to Menangle, so now we just have to hope she handles it.

“She made the same trip in reverse for the APG last season and was fine with the travelling.

“Jilliby Aura looked good at her first run from a break a couple of weeks ago and is the one to beat.

“We’ll have to wait and see how the race pans out, but I’m confident with her.”