Perfect draw to kickstart "farewell tour"

IN WHAT has been reported as the beginning of her "farewell tour", Ladies In Red is in a prime position to add another Group One to her impeccable tally.

Boasting an incredible 25 wins, six seconds and earnings of $1,018,800 from 32 starts, Ladies In Red has been earmarked for retirement later this season by premier Victorian trainer Emma Stewart.

Seven of the mare's victories have been Group Ones.

Ladies In Red's path to the breeding barn includes Saturday night's Queen Elizabeth II Mile at Club Menangle, with the daughter of Mach Three drawn ideally in barrier two.

"We couldn't be happier with the draw," Stewart said. "She is in terrific shape and has been working the place down.

"We're heading into it full of confidence and know she will certainly be hard to beat from there."

Although Menangle has been a less than ideal venue for Ladies In Red, she has been listed as a $1.65 TAB Fixed Odds favourite, with Aardies Express considered the main danger at $3.40 from gate 11.

Aardies Express slots into nine with the removal of the emergencies.

Ladies In Red has competed twice around the world class venue for a second as the $1.40 favourite in the 2022 Australian Pacing Gold Final and her only unplaced run when eighth in the Cordina Group Sprint two starts ago.

"We're not worried about that," Stewart said. "Every race is its own challenge and she is ready for this one.

"Like I said, we are very happy with her and know she is going into this in prime shape."

Stewart will also be represented by Treachery, which has drawn to search for a forward position from barrier three.

Treachery is on the third line of TAB Fixed Odds betting at $8.

"She is a gem of a mare which has proven herself among the best of her crop time and time again," Stewart said. "She is certainly more than capable of winning with the right run on the night."