Ciaron Maher’s team has confirmed that Oyster Lane will head to Moonee Valley this weekend, as connections opt for a Saturday metropolitan test over a midweek Benchmark race.

The colt will line up in the Ladbrokes SRM In Multis Handicap (1000m), having been entered for both The Valley and next Wednesday’s Sandown card. The decision to chase a Saturday win reflects their high opinion of the horse.

Jack Turnbull, Maher’s national assistant trainer, explained that the three-year-old’s consistent form had warranted a crack at city class.

“He’s been narrowly beaten by top-class horses,” Turnbull said. “We believe he’s good enough to be very competitive at this level.”

Oyster Lane has twice finished second – first behind Sonofkirk at Caulfield and then behind the Stakes-performed Shining Smile at Flemington – establishing himself as a galloper of promise.

Victory on Saturday could see him press on to the Group 3 H D F McNeil Stakes (1200m) or the Listed McKenzie Stakes (1200m), with both races seen as ideal progression routes.

“He’s been beaten a head and a neck, so hopefully it’s his turn now,” Turnbull said. “He’s a genuine Saturday-grade colt with a bright future.”

Drawn in barrier two, Oyster Lane will be ridden by John Allen and is expected to settle on speed in the small field.

Meanwhile, stablemate Angel Ladder is dual accepted and looks more likely to head to the Sportsbet Same Race Multi Handicap (1050m) at Morphettville.

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