Draw puts undefeated record at risk

ALREADY a Blue Riband winner, Very Pretty will begin her quest for a second classic this weekend.

Unbeaten from eight starts, Very Pretty's victories include the New South Wales Oaks, which she captured at Club Menangle on May 4.

Sent for a spell following the Group One, the Emma Stewart-trained filly is poised to return to racing in Melton on Saturday night.

Should all go according to plan, Very Pretty will then be taken north for next week's Queensland Oaks at Albion Park.

"She did very well during her time off," Stewart said. "She's brightened right up and feels a treat.

"She's wound up nicely and is ready to go, but having a run before heading to Queensland works out perfectly."

To be driven by Mark Pitt, Very Pretty has drawn awkwardly in barrier 10 against older rivals.

Despite being first-up from a break and facing aged opposition, the daughter of American Ideal is a short-priced favourite.

"It's not an ideal race for her to come back in, but it is what it is," Stewart said. "The draw has also made it tough, but she's good enough to overcome it.

"It'll all come down to getting the right run on the night."