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Oaks hopeful opens account; Top options for Merion; In Style Telegraph-bound.

Oaks hopeful opens account

Stars In Align will step up in grade next time out in pursuit of a classic start.

The Stephen Marsh-trained filly broke her maiden at Rotorua on Thursday following four successive placings.

The Gr.3 McKee Family Sunline Vase at Ellerslie on March 4 is likely to be on Stars In Align’s programme with the Gr.1 Wellfield New Zealand Oaks at Trentham 10 days later her autumn target.

Top options for Merion

Michael Moroney has a Group One decision to make with his New Zealand-bred three-year-old Merion.

The Flemington trainer has targeted the Gr.3 CS Hayes Stakes on February 21 for the O’Reilly gelding’s return as a pipe-opener to a sterner test.

Moroney has yet to decide whether Merion will run in the Australian Guineas at Flemington or in the Randwick Guineas. This year, both features will be run on March 7.

In Style Telegraph-bound

In Style is to be given her opportunity to complete a Group One sprint double.

Trainer Danica Guy has confirmed her Railway Stakes winner will contest the J & N Berkett Telegraph on January 17.

Guy will hold a powerful hand in the race with Tomorrowland, the winner of his last three starts, also in the Trentham feature. Both sprinters are by the former Waikato Stud resident Fast ‘N’ Famous.

Tomorrowland is currently a $5 Telegraph chance and In Style is at a $9 quote behind the $4 favourite Soubrettes, who has been beaten only once in four appearances. Last time out she blitzed her rivals in the Gr.3 Stewards’ Stakes at Riccarton.