Thrown into the deep end

IT’S a case of sink or swim for talented youngster Total Diva.

A gallant fourth in last weekend’s Golden Easter Egg at Club Menangle, Total Diva will return to the world class venue on Saturday night.

This time, however, the daughter of Terror To Love will step away from racing against her crop to compete against open-aged rivals, including the opposite sex.

“There was nothing completely suitable for her as there’s no races for three-year-old fillies,” trainer Peter Hanson said.

“I’ve thrown her in the deep end this time so we’ll soon see how she’s going.

“The only reason I put her in this race was the draw being preferential on sex.”

Hanson’s plan worked out as he’d hoped, with Total Diva drawn best of the fillies and mares.

To be driven by Blake Fitzpatrick, the three-year-old will begin from the pole.

“She’s drawn well but it is a tough race,” Hanson said. “She will need a really soft run to have any chance in that race but hopefully that’s what she’ll get from the draw.

“She should’ve nearly won last week as she was three-wide from the 600 and wasn’t beaten by much.

“Speak No Evil is clearly the one to beat from barrier three.”

Hanson will also be represented by Wahs Fire Bug later on the card, with the consistent daughter of Mach Three drawn barrier four.

A $3 favourite in early markets, Wahs Fire Bug slots into three with the removal of the emergency.

“I’ve had a couple of little setbacks with her this season, but she seems to be back to her best,” Hanson said.

“The draw isn’t too bad and I will leave it up to Luke (McCarthy, driver) to figure out the tactics.

“It’s a very even field with no real standout in the race so we’ll just have to hope it all goes our way.”