Aiming to join elite fraternity

QUALITY squaregaiter Maori Law will aim to join an elite fraternity when he returns to Tabcorp Park Melton during the weekend.

Fresh from his win at the venue last weekend, Maori Law is attempting to retain his Australasian Trotting Championship title on Saturday night.

Should the Emmett and Richard Brosnan-trained gelding achieve his objective he will become just the fourth champion to successfully defend the title since the Group One's inception in 1964.

With Neville Gath in the sulky, Tinmine was victorious in 1965 and '66, with Buster Hanover following suit in 1998 and '99.

The immortal Lyell Creek rounded out the trio with his performances in 2000 and '01.

"That's certainly some impressive company," Emmett said. "It will be a fair effort if he can join those three.

"It's reasonable to say he is the most well-credentialed runner in the field and I can't see any reason why he can't win on Saturday night."

Scoring from the front line last year, Maori Law is the sole handicapped starter this time around, with the son of Lawman to begin from the 10-metre mark.

TAB Fixed Odds have the nine-year-old positioned on the second line of betting at $3.80, with rising star Aldebaran Zeus a $3.20 favourite.

Boasting two wins and a third from three starts this season, Aldebaran Zeus will begin from three.

"We're not too fussed about the handicap," Emmett said. "It's only 10 metres and with two rows off the front he won't be that far off them.

"He's a good beginner so should be able to make up that ground pretty quickly."

The Brosnans will also be represented by Baltica, which will come from five.

A last start winner at the track, Baltica is midfield in betting markets at $21.

"She is in good form and is ready to run a big race," Emmett said. "With a bit of luck she can be right in the finish."