Barynya was too strong in her Tasmanian Oaks victory.
Heats of the Victoria Oaks will be a headline of Friday night’s Anzac Day meeting at Tabcorp Park Melton but it might not be left to the Victorian’s to share the prize as Tasmanian invader Barynya crosses the Apple Isle.
Following the clinic that Beautide has put on this season, confidence from down south is brimming but Dick Eaves remains cautiously optimistic as he tries to firstly qualify for, and then win, one of the classics.
But there is reason to remain positive because the little filly, who is a half-sister to Lombo Navigator has won seven from 10 including her last six straight.
They may all have been in Tasmania but a gritty win in the Tasmanian Oaks over Victorian filly Sandy Kay has set the scene for an intriguing showdown this Friday night.
“It’s the same old story, when you go for these sort of races you come up against the best so whether she is capable of measuring up I guess we will find out on Friday,” Eaves said.
“She had a pretty hard run in the Oaks over 2600 metres. She got dragged back and then she worked forward and sat outside the Victorian Sandy Kay and got the better of her in the straight and they got home in a pretty good last half.
“It’s probably going to come down to how quick she can get home because some of those horses can run 26.5sec quarters so it’s going to be difficult.”
The second row barrier might appear on paper as a further stumbling block however the respected Tasmanian trainer is of the opinion that it could be her greatest asset come race time.
“I don’t mind the back row draw, coming off the trip over I think the best place for her is probably going to be trailing up and she’s proved that she can race in any style and still get the job done so I’m not too concerned. We will just be hoping for some hustle and bustle early.” Eaves said.
“I think this filly has the ability to match up and I think the better class she races in, the better she will go.
“We will head back to Tasmania after this but if she races well it will give us a good guide on the future because she is eligible for the Vicbred Super Series and the Breeders Crown.”
Barynya has been marked a $14 fourth favourite with Harness Racing Victoria Form Expert Jason Bonnington with Whereibylong the $2.50 favourite over Mindarie Priddy at $3 and Quick Draft at $4.50.
