Undefeated fillies facing acid test

IN WHAT will be just her sixth start, undefeated filly Keayang Zahara is aiming for her third Group One success this weekend.

Completing the New South Wales Trotters' Oaks and Derby double at Club Menangle last May, Keayang Zahara is engaged in Saturday night's Vicbred Super Series Final in Melton.

Keayang Zahara's interstate wins saw her become just the fifth member of the ‘fairer sex’ to capture both Blue Ribands since the Oaks was added to the calendar in 1999.

Jauriol was the ground breaker in 2005, followed by Right Interest in 2006, Habibti in 2013 and Rockinwithattitude last season.

As for pending assignment, the Marg Lee-trained squaregaiter has drawn awkwardly on the inside of the second row.

Keayang Zahara qualified for the $100,000 Final with a heat win in Geelong last week when first-up for four months.

"I couldn't be happier with her progress," Lee said. "She was very good first-up in the heat and has trained on great this week.

"Her fast work has been terrific and she is right where I want her to be going into this."

To be driven by Jason Lee, the daughter of Volstead is a $1.60 TAB Fixed Odds favourite, with defending champion Violet Stanford considered the main danger at $3.60.

Prepared by Nathan Jack, Violet Stanford will begin from gate seven - the outside of the front row.

Also unbeaten from eight starts, Violet Stanford's wins include the $50,000 Home Grown Classic.

"Nathan's filly is a very nice trotter and is clearly the one to beat even from her draw," Lee said. "She has the record on the board.

"Jilliby Ballerini can't be treated lightly from barrier two, so Zahara has her work cut out for her."