As another step forward is taken in the Spring Carnival on Saturday there is an abundance of good races, but for mine, the standout is the Underwood Stakes at Caulfield.

Melbourne racing fans get their chance to watch first-hand Kiwi mare, Scarlett Lady.

Co-trainers, Graeme and Debbie Rogerson, are confident the Queensland Oaks winner is up to the big time during this campaign.

Saturday's race, at weight-for-age, is a tough task against the boys but wait until the Caulfield Cup when she drops to 51 kilograms.

Debbie Rogerson told me this week that Scarlett Lady's latest outings, two serious track gallops, had been strong and she's improved on her first-up run in New Zealand three weeks ago.

Fred Hoysted winner, Peter Moody, has been on the front foot this week saying Lights Of Heaven should not be forgotten in the Underwood.

Punters seemingly have dropped off Lights Of Heaven since she ran in the Makybe Diva Stakes but, as Moody pointed out on Sky Racing, she ran fifth not fifteenth.

Moody says the mare peaked on her run last start but she'll strip fitter in the Underwood.

Moody says the time was right for the all important gear change. Blinkers will go on Lights of Heaven on Saturday and, being a daughter of Zabeel, Moody hopes it'll tip her into the winners' circle.

*****

IN other news for Caulfield, trainer John Sadler says Sister Madly is ready to rumble in the How Now Stakes.

Bought by Segenhoe Stud for $1million earlier this year, Sadler says the mare simply hasn't missed a beat since arriving.

A trial win at Cranbourne 10 days ago has brought Sister Madly right on for her first-up 1200 metre run.

Having already been placed in a Group One race, Sadler's spring aim for the mare is to win at the elite level.

*****

THE Tea Rose Stakes at Rosehill promises to be a great form race for the spring.

Trainer Gai Waterhouse has been happy with promising filly Shared Reflections during the past fortnight.

Deciding not to rush her preparation she missed the Furious Stakes but, following Tuesday's gallop, Waterhouse says Shared Reflections is ready to run 1500 metres first-up.

Meanwhile, Peter Snowden is hoping for a change of fortune in the Tea Rose.

Anise fought on bravely in a sit-and-sprint Furious Stakes but don't be too surprised if Anise goes forward this week to overcome a slow tempo.

*****

NEW Zealand trainer, Trent Busuttin, is aiming his three-year-old Sangster towards the Victoria Derby so you would think the horse has to go close in Saturday's Gloaming Stakes at Rosehill.

Sangster has quickly built up a handy record in Sydney including a gutsy second to Ambidexter last start. Busuttin is hoping the longer races will allow Sangster to settle better.

*****

QUEANBEYAN trainer, Neville Layt, wasn't holding back his emotions on Sky Sports Radio on Tuesday.

After watching Karuta Queen fly around in trackwork, running home the final 600 metres in 33.03 and the final 200 metres in 10.6 seconds, Layt said he can't see her being beaten in the Heritage Stakes.

In an ideal world, Karuta Queen would be taking on her own sex but, with no suitable races, she's against the boys again.