Eyes set on another interstate Group One

NO STRANGER to winning majors when travelling interstate, Emma Stewart has a strong opportunity to add to her tally this weekend.

Based in Victoria, the champion horsewoman has won an incredible 35 Group Ones at ‘away’ tracks, along with a host of Group Twos and Threes.

Stewart’s Group One haul includes Club Menangle-based features such as four New South Wales Derbys, three Chatiots Of Fire, Ladyship Mile, New South Wales Oaks and six Breeders’ Challenge Finals.

On Saturday night Stewart will attempt to add another Breeders’ Challenge Final to her tally when Degarmea Teale tackles the $150,000 Final for two-year-old fillies.

Winner of her first three starts, including a series heat, Degarmea Teale was runner-up in a semi-final at the world class venue a fortnight ago.

Degarmea Teale’s first two starts before being sent for a spell resulted in a clean sweep of the Australian Pacing Gold series in Melton.

“She’s a nice filly,” Stewart said. “We’ve got a fair opinion of her.”

To be driven by local reinsman Cameron Hart, the daughter of Captain Crunch has drawn to lead throughout from the pole.

TAB Fixed Odds have Degarmea Teale listed on the third line of betting at $5, with Ark Sea the $1.85 favourite from barrier 11.

Ark Sea captured a series heat in Bathurst before proving too good in a semi at Menangle.

“She is drawn well, which is obviously a good starting point,” Stewart said. “Her work has certainly lifted after two runs back and she will be in great shape on Saturday night.

“This is clearly a step up as there are some pretty nice fillies in the field, but she will be hard to beat.”