Victoria Oaks on the radar for Tough filly

It’s all systems go towards the Pryde’s Easifeed Victoria Oaks for star filly Tough Tilly, who had what is likely to be her only trial of the campaign at Ballarat on Tuesday.

Trainer Emma Stewart was pleased with the display from her two-time Group 1 winner, who beat stablemate Act Now and Michael Stanley’s Bar Room Banta with a 55.8 last half and 27.2 final quarter for a 2:00.2 mile rate.

“She was terrific,” Stewart said.

“She probably raced a little bit more keenly than she usually does. She normally gets to the front and sort of knocks off a little bit, but she was a bit fresh today and still managed to trial good.”

Stewart suggested it was time to send Tough Tilly to the races, with the key aim being the Group 1 Victoria Oaks. Heats are scheduled for October 2, with the final on October 9.

“She tends to keep herself fit at home and she doesn’t hold a hell of a lot of weight…,” she said.

“We’ll just give her a run before the Oaks and see how she is.”

WATCH THE TRIAL AND INTERVIEW WITH EMMA STEWART BELOW:

By Harness Racing Victoria