Final Oaks shot for Arch
Victorian filly Proscenium Arch will be given one last chance to capture a feature race before striking open company.
The Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young-trained filly is set to run in the Group 1 Queensland Oaks (2200m) at Eagle Farm on Saturday.
The daughter of So You Think will be having her second start in Queensland following a last start fourth to Fireburn in the Group 2 The Roses (2000m) at Doomben on May 20.
That run followed a 2-¼ length fifth to Affaire A Suivre in the Group 1 Australasian Oaks (2000m) at Morphettville on April 29.
While Busuttin was happy with the filly's performances on each of those occasions, he conceded she was possibly just short of the better fillies.
"But there was merit in her run the other day," Busuttin said.
"She's around the $15 mark in the market and I think that's where she deserves to be.
"She's happy, she's healthy, she's stayed up there and the run warranted a go at the Oaks."
Busuttin said Proscenium Arch stepped a slowly at Doomben last start which put her back in the race.
While the filly finished the race off strongly, Busuttin said he would prefer Proscenium Arch to be ridden a little closer.
"Initially she was a filly that had been up on speed, but the other day she didn't begin well enough, and she was in an awkward spot, three deep," Busuttin said.
"Then she got flushed out on the corner at Doomben which didn't help things.
"I'd prefer her up on speed, but she was fine ridden back the other day.
"She was one dimensional in the spring, but in saying that her form in the spring was her at her best, but I would say she is running better now than what her form looks on paper.
"She's up there, she's worked well, she's healthy, so she might as well run.
"There are some good fillies in the race, but I'm sure she'll acquit herself well.
"I think she's a top five chance again."
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