Lilley’s seven Sydney starters

Victorian harness racing trainer Brent Lilley will have one of the busiest days of his career this Sunday as he prepares seven runners for Group One events at Tabcorp Park Menangle. 

While Lilley does not have a runner in the TAB.COM.AU Inter Dominion he will be represented in five of the remaining six Group Ones

“In the past I have had two or three runners in Group One races on one day, but to get seven horses through to Group Ones is an achievement I am very proud of,” Lilley said.

“There are no strong favourites in my seven, but there are a few that might surprise if they get the right run, so I’m just hoping for a little bit of luck on Sunday.”

Four-year-old Messini qualified for the Chariots Of Fire after finishing second to Bling It On in the Hondo Grattan Stakes when only a neck behind the winner.

“Messini has drawn out wide, but he is flying,” Lilley declared. “The big thing with him will be luck in transit, and while he has got it all ahead of him from the draw, he is right in the zone at the moment.

“He has a very good turn of foot and Chris (Alford, driver) will have plenty of options.”

Three-year-old filly Rebel Diamond will take her position in the NSW Oaks after finishing second in her heat last Saturday night.

“Rebel Diamond is a funny horse,” Lilley said. “She is one of those horses that gets beaten in races where you think she can’t get beaten and then pulls out a strong performance in a race where there is a lot of depth.

“She did a good job on Saturday night and has drawn very well on Sunday, so she should get the right trip throughout the race.”

Courageousnquick will compete in the Ladyship Mile and Lilley believes his mare has the early speed to cross her rivals.

“She’s only had two runs back after a six-month break and she has been great in both of those runs,” Lilley said.

“Courageousnquick is electric off the gate and in the past has come off the arm like she was clipped to it.

“If she comes out hard I think she can cross Frith and the inside will be the place to be with Adore Me in the race.”

Sluggem qualified for the NSW Derby by charging home for fourth in the heat won by Hug The Wind.

“His effort was really good because he got checked,” Lilley said “He is still pretty green, but has a good motor and I think he will be a better horse in six or 12 months.”

Lilley has three runners in the Trotters Standing Start – Zedalite, Kvintet Avenger and Kyvalley Blur.

“Zedalite is the best stayer of my three and he will be suited by the stand and the long trip,” Lilley said. “He’s had a few niggling issues but he is better now.”

• HRNSW Media