Star Kiwi filly Parrtyon may not even start favourite in the NSW Oaks.

That sounds amazing given she is unbeaten in eight runs with victories including the Breeders Crown and Harness Jewels finals.

But the filly who ran a game second to her in the Breeders Crown final – Victoria’s Petacular – looks to have at least closed the gap from that last clash five months ago.

On face value, Petacular was at least as impressive winning her heat of the NSW Oaks last night as Partyon was in the second heat.

Some pre-draw Aussie markets for the Oaks final have them equal favourites.

They were contrasting wins with Petacular leading throughout in a 1min57.1sec mile rate for 2400m, while Parrtyon came around the field from near last to sit parked in the middle stages and post a 1min57.5sec mile rate.

In Parrtyon’s case, the race was set up for her when the leaders went a 55.9sec lead time while she sat back relaxing.

To give you perspective. The lead times in the three Derby heats over 2400m were 58.7sec (Motu Meteor), 56.4sec (Atomic Red) and 59.5sec (Vincent).

Petacular went a 59.8sec lead time.

Parrtyon’s closing splits from outside the leader were 59.1 and 28.4sec.

Petacular went 54.3 and 27.5sec.

So much is going to depend on tomorrow’s draw at noon (NZ time) with both fillies have good gate speed.

If there is an upset, it could come from the big and raw Miss Graceland, who ran a six-metre second to Petacular and looks likely to imorove on the run being just second-up.