The Ciaron Maher stable has given a strong lead in electing to run Oyster Lane at Moonee Valley.
Twice placed in Saturday city races at his only two attempts, Oyster Lane runs in the Ladbrokes SRM In Multis Handicap (1000m) on Saturday.
Jack Turnbull, Maher’s National Assistant Trainer, said the colt was also considered for a start at Sandown next Wednesday in a Three-Year-Old Benchmark 64 contest, but decided to concentrate on The Valley instead.
Success on Saturday could then lead to the Group 3 H D F McNeil Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield on August 30 or the Listed McKenzie Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley the following week.
“We were open as to where to go with him, whether a race at Sandown next week or The Valley, but as he’s racing in good form it would be rude not to give him a chance of winning a Saturday race,” Turnbull said.
Oyster Lane has finished second at his only two appearances.
On debut, Sonofkirk had the better over 1000m at Caulfield on June 28 before three-time Stakes winner Shining Smile outpointed him over the straight 1000m course at Flemington on July 19.
“He’s run a couple of good races, but he’s run into a couple of good ones, so unfortunately, he’s still a maiden,” Turnbull said.
“He’s only been beaten a head and a neck by a three-time Stakes winner (Shining Smile) and before that Freedman’s (Sonofkirk) is a well performed animal as well.
“We know we have a pretty talented colt. Hopefully he can get that maiden win out of the way and then he’s setting up to run in races like the McNeil or the McKenzie, those types of Stakes races.
“He’s a nice colt and he will have his day. Hopefully that is this weekend.”
From barrier two, with John Allen in the saddle, Turnbull indicated Oyster Lane should be riding the speed in the 1000m dash.
“So long as he’s clean, he’ll hold a spot,” Turnbull said.
Stablemate Angel Ladder is also down to run in Saturday’s contest while also holding an acceptance in the Sportsbet Same Race Multi Handicap (1050m) at Morphettville on Saturday.
Turnbull indicated the Adelaide race may be the preferred option.
