Moran sticks with the champ, but will he be left Red-faced?

Whether David Moran’s decision to stick with champion filly Ladies In Red over the emerging stablemate Beach Music is the right one will only be known after Saturday night’s Pryde’s EasiFeed Victoria Oaks at Bendigo.

Moran was at the controls for both of their impressive heat wins last weekend and, despite a more favourable front row draw for Beach Music in the $150,000 final, the master reinsman opted to stick with the horse who has taken him to Group 1 glory once before.

“(Beach Music) can beat Ladies In Red for sure,” Moran said. “Ladies In Red’s probably got that x-factor, she only does what she has to do and when she needs to pull something out I’m sure she will. Looking at the barrier draw she’s going to have too.”

Ladies In Red has won 12 of her 13 career starts for a tick under $300,000 in prizemoney and Moran has been in the sulky for all but two of those triumphs.

The reigning Victorian 2YO Pacing Filly of the Year has retained favouritism for the race, but only narrowly over Beach Music, who is growing in confidence and will be partnered by champion driver Chris Alford.

Amazingly, Lauriston Bloodstock’s Bill and Anne Anderson bred and own both fillies, who are also trained by Emma Stewart.

She looks to have a stranglehold on the race with five runners qualifying to contest the final, including Joanna, who will be driven by Jackie Barker and appears the other key winning hope.

To view fields for Bendigo on Saturday night click here.

By Tim O’Connor for HRV