Grateful not to receive visitors’ draw!

IT’S not exactly a red carpet, but more of a welcome mat!

Making his maiden voyage to Victoria for tomorrow night’s Oaks heats, New South Wales horseman Tom Ison was fearful of receiving the dreaded visitors’ draw with Majic Moment.

To Ison’s delight, Majic Moment, which is trained by the reinsman’s father, Andrew, will begin from barrier three in the third qualifier.

“I’m pretty happy with that draw,” Ison said. “It gives her a chance to settle in a handy position and hopefully get into the Final.

“It’s not going to be easy even getting into the Final as only the first four home in each heat will get through.

“This is clearly her biggest test, but will also be a good experience and learning curve for her.”

Arriving in Melton at the beginning of the week, Ison is pleased with the manner in which Majic Moment has settled into her new surroundings.

“She has done well,” Ison said. “I worked her steadily yesterday and she felt good and has been on her toes when jogging.

“I’m happy with the way she is feeling going into the heat.”

Citing Soho Historia as the one to beat, Ison believes the filly’s Emma Stewart-trained stablemates will also play a strong role in the finish.

Unbeaten from seven starts for Stewart – including the Queensland Oaks – Soho Historia has drawn the inside of the second row.

Stewart also has Beach Life, Sergios Rocket and Talk Time in the field.

“Soho Historia is the one to beat even from the draw,” Ison said. “All of Emma’s will be hard to beat.

“We’ll just have to hope for some luck and the right run.”