On Friday, Jamie Melham took time to fine-tune her ride for next week’s feature event by partnering Traffic Warden in an 800-metre jumpout at Flemington. The James Cummings-trained colt impressed, winning the trial by a head over Espionage, with Benedetta finishing third. Melham, who rode Traffic Warden to victory in last year’s Group 2 VRC Sires’ Produce Stakes, believes the colt has the potential to be one of Australia’s top sprinters. “He’s just so brilliant… 1200m is probably more his go,” Melham said, noting that the 1000m of the Black Caviar Lightning (1000m) won’t pose any issues.

Melham is also set to ride Another Wil in the $750,000 Group 1 CF Orr Stakes (1400m) on Saturday. The five-year-old son of Street Boss, trained by Ciaron Maher, is second favourite after an impressive run at Caulfield last campaign. Melham confirmed, “1400 is his ideal trip,” and with barrier three, Another Wil will be a strong contender in the field.