Acid test for undefeated youngster

SATURDAY night's Melton meeting will determine which Derby undefeated youngster Medina contests in coming weeks.

Winner of his five starts for trainer Fred Taiba, Medina is engaged in the Victoria Sires' Classic.

As such, the son of Sweet Lou will face an "acid test" against a field of Derby hopefuls.

Should he perform admirably, Medina will remain home for the Victoria Derby on October 18.

If the colt struggles against the locals, Taiba plans to contest West Australia's Blue Riband at Gloucester Park on October 31.

Taiba knows what it takes to win a Derby, having prepared former star Sushi Sushi to capture the 2011 Victoria Derby and Great Northern Derby in New Zealand.

Sushi Sushi was unbeaten from 13 starts as a three-year-old.

"He's a nice horse but this will be his acid test on Saturday night," Taiba said. "I threw him in the deep end to see if he is a Derby horse.

"The only way to find out is to step him up in grade.

"The Perth Derby is also an option. He is booked to fly out on Friday but I delayed his flight to make a decision after Saturday night.

"If he can prove himself competitive here, he will stay closer to home."

Although drawn to settle in a prominent position from barrier two, Medina is midfield at $16 in early markets, with Storms Collide the $3 favourite from gate three.

Storms Collide has won his three starts from a spell.

"He's drawn well and gets his chance," Taiba said. "Like I said, whether he is up to it we will soon find out, but at this stage, we're having a crack and will know exactly where we are at by the end of the weekend."