Star filly aiming to join elite sorority

CLASSY filly Gatesys Gem will attempt to join an elite sorority this weekend.

Winner of last week’s New South Wales Trotters’ Oaks at Club Menangle, Gatesys Gem will return to the world class venue for tomorrow night’s Trotters’ Derby.

As such, the Glenn Hunter-trained daughter of Aldebaran Eagle will attempt to become the sixth filly to complete the Blue Riband double since the Oaks was added to the calendar in 1999.

Jauriol in 2005, Right Interest in 2006, Habibti in 2013, Rockinwithattitude in 2023 and Keayang Zahara last season are the only members of the ‘fairer sex’ to achieve the feat.

Gaining the perfect trip from the pole in the Oaks, Gatesys Gem has drawn wide in barrier nine in the Group One.

Despite her difficult starting position, the three-year-old, which boasts seven wins and three seconds from 11 outings, is a $2.70 TAB Fixed Odds favourite.

Last season’s Breeders’ Crown winner, Enchauffour, is considered the main danger at $3 from gate 10.

The Jess Tubbs-trained son of Volstead was a recent second in Geelong and is expected to strip fitter after two runs from a spell.

“The draw has made it tough,” Hunter said. “She is going to need a bit of luck from there.

“I would rate Enchauffour and Commodus as the pair to beat, but they have also drawn wide with us.

“The good thing about Menangle is the long straight, which usually gives every runner a chance.

“If she can settle close enough to the speed, she should be right in the finish.”