By MICHAEL GUERIN
When Ricky May says a filly is a potential star it is time to get on.
And when he says Shania Patron can cement her position as the country's best pacing filly in tonight's $75,000 Great Northern Oaks at Alexandra Park there is no need to look further for the favourite.
May has an outstanding record behind 3-year-old fillies, having won both the New Zealand Oaks and Hydroflow Fillies Final three times.
But he has yet to win the Great Northern Oaks, a trophy he is confident of adding to his cabinet tonight.
"I wouldn't say Shania Patron is the best filly I have driven yet because I have driven some pretty good ones," said May.
"But she is as good as any of them and I think if she wins tonight she has to be considered the best filly in the country."
Some would say that crown already sits atop Shania Patron's head after her stunning performance to come from near last to win the Sires Stakes Fillies Final on this track three weeks ago.
"That was a great run, although she did get a nice cart in to the race, but I think this race will suit her better.
"She is very strong and the 2700m will play into her hands while this is also the first time she has had a good draw."
Shania Patron will leave from barrier two tonight and while she has never been seen in a pacemaking role May will not be scared to try those tactics tonight.
"She can lead and it might be the best place to be so don't discount us being in front."
While Shania Patron deserves to be favourite there are at least six of her rivals for which a good case can be made, with luck and the tempo of the race key factors.
If Shania Patron or the rapidly improving Mika were able to lead and get an easy 800m section in the middle of the race they would be tough to run down.
But the even nature of this fillies crop could see the race develop into a true staying test as none has so far dominated to the extent she would scare mid-race challengers off.
Mika's win here last week confirmed the big reputation she has earned in just three starts and she covers the ground like 2700m will suit her.
She has the talent to win but if she does succeed at such a high level in only her fourth start she will be in rare company.
The Mark Purdon-trained pair of English Elegance and Braeside Star have been the bridesmaids in the fillies' features in the past month without having a great deal of luck.
English Elegance has always looked an Oaks filly and seems certain of economical trip with Tony Herlihy steering her out of barrier three. At anything better than $6 she will be top each way value.
Braeside Star has already made up for her disappointing start to the season with two huge seconds against these fillies in the past month.
The half-sister to Iraklis is best when driven with one run and would appear to be the best placed to take advantage of an early hot pace.
Of the remainder, Like An Atom and Mona's Pride showed enough winning at the cup carnival to suggest they can trouble the favourites.
Like An Atom drops in class after having a hard run in the Derby. She has a terrible draw but may just have the speed to get handy or even lead, from where she could be a surprise package.
Mona's Pride has impressed Barry Purdon since joining his stable last month and should be even better now than when beating class one opponents on December 22.
She will start from one on the second line and is another whose chances would increase if the race is set up for those getting the last crack at the leaders.
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