Exciting filly aiming to join elite sorority

EXCITING youngster Tough Love will aim to join an elite sorority when she heads to Club Menangle on Saturday night.

Engaged in the New South Wales Trotters’ Derby, Tough Love is attempting to become the fourth filly to complete the Derby and Oaks double since the latter was added to the calendar in 1999.

The Rickie Alchin-trained squaregaiter managed the first half of the equation by securing the Oaks last weekend.

As it stands, Jauriol in 2005, Right Interest in 2006 and Habibti in 2013 are the only members of the ‘fairer sex’ to achieve the feat.

“I was more than happy with her run in the Oaks and she pulled up a treat, which is why she is going around again,” Alchin said.

“She is a very nice filly, which is building a strong record, and has earned a shot at the ‘boys’.

“The draw hasn’t made it easy on her though.”

As Alchin alluded to, Tough Love has received no favours in the draw, with the exceptionally-bred daughter of Love You to come from barrier seven.

Despite her difficult starting position Tough Love is the $3.90 second elect with TAB Fixed Odds.

Courage Stride heads the market at $3 from gate six.

Winner of his last two starts, Courage Stride is prepared by Chris Lang, who trained Jauriol and Right Interest.

Lang also won the Derby with Aldebaran Shades in 2012.

“Like I said, she hasn’t drawn the best and this is a really strong field, so it is going to test her,” Alchin said. “I’m looking forward to seeing how she steps up though.

“Courage Stride has looked impressive this time in, but there is a lot of solid form in the field and there are certainly several realistic chances.”