Welcome to the real world!

WHILE making his transition from High School into the workforce, my middle brat Tobey became aware of certain realities.

As he reached some conclusions, such as life isn't always fair or life is about to get tougher, I always responded - much to his annoyance - in the same manner "welcome to the real world"!

At Melton on Saturday night an equine version of Tobey - better-known in harness racing as Bay Of Biscay - will undergo his initiation into the real world.

Widely-regarded as Australia's rising star, Bay Of Biscay has enjoyed a high-rate of success within the confines of his 'High School' - age-restricted racing.

Emerging as the top performer of his crop, the Emma Stewart-trained four-year-old has built a record of 12 wins and nine placings from 25 starts, with his victories including the Chariots Of Fire and The Eureka.

This weekend, however, Bay Of Biscay will contest the Smoken Up Sprint, where his rivals include arguably the world's best pacer, Leap To Fame!

"He'll certainly know he is in a race on Saturday night," Stewart said. "Not only is he returning from a freshen-up, he's got to contend with Leap To Fame.

"That's where he is at. There are no easy races for him now, it's time to take that step up and meet the big boys.

"We've got no doubt he is a Grand Circuit horse, now he just has to prove it."

Making matters worse, the son of Somebeachsomewhere has drawn barrier seven - the outside of the front row - with Leap To Fame to begin from six.

TAB FIxed Odds have Bay Of Biscay listed on the second line of betting at $6, with Leap To Fame the $1.10 favourite.

Miki Pins is next at $16 from gate two.

"Facing Leap To Fame will be hard enough, but the draw has made it all the more difficult," Stewart said. "Our guy will certainly benefit from the run, but he'll still be out there doing his best."