Victorian hobby co-trainers Peter Lane and Anita Burke may well have unveiled one of the most exciting trotting fillies of the harness racing season at Maryborough recently. Stylish and athletic, two-year-old filly Mevia (Elite Stride) – named after Mevia, a Roman woman of status who defied social norms to fight as a gladiator – announced herself with an imposing 10-metre debut win last Monday week (Sept 22). Despite being “fizzy” and taking three attempts to qualify, Mevia (known at home as Evie) showed her natural talent at Maryborough, cruising to victory without being fully extended. “Mattaluca was a lovely trotter but never had the wind for racing,” Burke said. Colleen has always been in harness racing but is heavily into thoroughbreds now.