AT THE moment there are three, but by the end of Saturday night there can only be one - perhaps even none!
To be conducted at Tabcorp Park Melton, the Sapling Stake has attracted a talented field of freshmen, including a trio which are yet to experience defeat.
Major Celebrity and Little Louie recently made successful debuts, while Rupert Ross has won his two starts in stylish fashion.
Prepared by prominent South Australian horseman Lance Holberton, Rupert Ross' victories include the Kindergarten Stake at Globe Derby.
Pleased with the two-year-old's progress, Holberton cited the interstate feature as a "a good way to test him".
"He's done everything I've asked of him so far, and when I saw this race on the program, I figured he's worth have a shot with," Holberton said.
"It's going to be a step up for him, but it is a good way to test him.
"Along with the likelihood of tougher opposition to compete against, the whole travel experience will do him the world of good."
To Holbertson's dismay, Rupert Ross has received the "visitors' draw" with the son of Huntsville to come from the outside of the front row.
Holberton also has Dancing Finn engaged earlier on the card, with the mare drawn barrier five.
"They've certainly given us the visitors' draws," Holberton said. "It's going to make it hard on both of them, but with the right runs they should be thereabouts.
"We'll just have to see how it works out on the night."
