Oaks prep begins for star filly

High-class filly Shamrocker returns for trainer Danny O'Brien in tomorrow's Group 3 Mitty's Vanity at Flemington.

The O'Reilly three-year-old is on a path towards the Group 1 AJC Oaks as O'Brien looks to improve on her second placing in the VRC Oaks.

"She has come back in terrific fashion and we are looking forward to getting her back to the races as she has a big campaign ahead," O'Brien said.

"She loves running at Flemington and she has a feature win here over this trip so we are expecting here to run well tomorrow."

The feature win O'Brien referred to was Shamrocker's courageous win in last year's Group 2 Sires Produce (1400m), pictured above, when she was trapped three-deep throughout before powering to the line for a big win.

Tomorrow, Shamrocker has drawn wide in barrier 8, however O'Brien is not overly concerned with the gate.

"She is a filly that likes clear running, which is why she loves this big open track and Steven (Arnold) should be able give her plenty room when she needs to make her run."

O'Brien has two other horses kicking-off their autumn campaigns tomorrow, when promising galloper Eraset lines up in the 1400m open event, while Group 1 placegetter Lucky Thunder will run down the straight for the first time in his career in the open 1200m race.

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