BENDIGO reinsman Scott Rains is confident Waikare Colleen can give a good account of herself as she negotiates a step-up in class in Friday night's Shepparton Trotters Oaks (2190).
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The John McDermott-trained filly will be one of three Bendigo region-trained runners in the 11-horse field.
She is joined by Jessicas Story, for Bet Bet trainer Ray Cross, and the Keith Cotchin/Elmore-trained Meadowvalley Lover.
A slick list of contenders is headed by proven Group 1 filly Elida Queen (Brent Lilly/Chris Alford), last year's Vicbred Super Series runner-up Senitas Strength (Mick Blackmore/James Herbertson and the in-form Chris Svanosio-trained runner Abundance.
While it is far and away the best field Waikare Colleen has come up against in her 12-month career, Rains is confident of a competitive effort.
"She's an honest trotter with a few things in her favour, which are manners." he said.
"She just needs the right run in the race. If she gets it, she's a top five chance in a race like that. That would be a good outcome.
"She's got the draw (two) and has decent enough speed off the gate, so she will be in the forward division. From there it will just depend on who makes their move and at what time.
"Elida Queen will be one of the favourites for the Victoria Oaks - she won the (Group 1) Need For Speed earlier in the year.
"I know she's only starting her campaign, but she will be the horse to beat and that just goes to show what we are up against.
"Her recent racing has been really good. One thing, especially for young trotters, is manners and she has great manners.
"The barrier draw does help and she is a very good follower of speed. If she runs top-five it's a good outcome."
This will Waikare Colleen's ninth career start.
She has not won since her victory on debut at Ballarat at odds of $137 this time 12 months ago, but has finished top three in each of her last three starts.
Meadowvalley Lover, who has won two of 20 starts and been placed four times, will driven by Tayla French.
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