Time for undefeated 'warrior' to step up

IT'S time to find out what kind of a warrior Zoolu is this weekend.

Undefeated from two battles, the two-year-old has given an indication she can be a star in the making, but trainer Michael Bellman is keeping his opinion reserved.

Although pleased with the filly's progress, Bellman is waiting until Zoolu "steps up" before he makes any bold statements about her prospects.

"She has exceeded expectations and is showing a lot of promise," Bellman said. "That said, she has only had a couple of starts, so there is a long way to go and we'll see how she handles it once she steps up in class."

That step up will occur on Saturday night when Zoolu contests the Tatlow Stake in Melton.

To be driven by Kerryn Manning, Zoolu has drawn barrier four, with TAB Fixed Odds listing the daughter of Father Patrick at $9.

Howdy Mate heads the market at $2.50 from barrier five.

"It is a pretty handy field," Bellman said. "Any one of five runners can be considered a genuine chance, and yet, you can't disregard the rest of the field either.

"All I can go with is my filly is feeling terrific, has done everything right and is ready to be put to the test."