SYDNEY - Doomben 10,000 favourite Fashions Afield will on Saturday be attempting to become the first three-year-old filly to win the group one race.
The closest a female member of her age group has come in recent times was three years ago when Private Steer was runner-up to Bel Esprit.
One person who thinks Fashions Afield can achieve the feat is her jockey Danny Beasley who has ridden her to group one wins in the AJC Sires' Produce and Flight Stakes and was also successful aboard her last start in the Gold Coast Guineas.
He said the Gai Waterhouse-trained filly had thrived in Queensland and is spot on for the 10,000 (1350m).
"She is going really well judging by how she felt at the coast and in her trials and her work before that," Beasley said.
"She is doing amazingly well up there by all reports so I'm looking forward to next week. My fingers are just crossed now for a good barrier."
Beasley had been hoping to make a flying visit to Brisbane on Saturday morning to partner Fashions Afield in a crucial track gallop but was unable to make the trip due to his extensive commitments at Scone on Friday and Rosehill on Saturday.
Zac Purton stepped in to warm the saddle and Waterhouse's stable representative Tania Rouse said the filly turned in a rousing workout.
"Gai went up to Brisbane because she wanted to see Fashions Afield gallop and she also had a few runners at Doomben," Rouse said.
Fashions Afield is the $5.50 favourite with TAB Sportsbet ahead of St Basil and last year's winner Red Oog.
- NZPA
