Return clash

SATURDAY night’s Tabcorp Park Melton meeting will be highlighted by the return clash between quality pacers Shadow Sax and Soho Tribeca.

The pair dominated last weekend’s Group Two Cup, with the latter proving too strong with Greg Sugars in the cart.

After racing in the ‘death seat’, Soho Tribeca scored by two-and-a-half metres in a track record 1:56 over 2690 metres.

This time around the duo will contest the Melton Plate, with trainer Michael Stanley predicting another stride-for-stride encounter.

Stanley prepares Soho Tribeca, which has drawn the outside of the front row.

Shadow Sax will begin from barrier five for premier horsewoman Emma Stewart.

“They both put in good runs last week and will no doubt be primed for the Plate,” Stanley said. “Shadow Sax led last time and will more than likely find the front again.

“That’ll put us on his outside again, and over a shorter trip, it will become a test of the fittest.

“We’ve come to expect tough runs from Soho Tribeca, and with the race over 2240 metres, he will apply pressure further out from home.”

Following his pending engagement, Soho Tribeca will be given a much deserved break before Stanley aims the five-year-old at the Len Smith Mile, which is scheduled to be conducted at Menangle on July 1.