SA TROTS - Phillips to test the water over the border with Lambro Mach

SOUTH Australian horseman David Phillips is hoping to 'buck the trend' during the weekend.

With 'Croweaters' usually on the wrong side of interstate invaders - particularly Victorians - the Mount Gambier-based trainer is crossing the border in search of riches.

Phillips will head to Melton for Saturday night's Youthful Stakes with promising freshman, Lambro Mach.

Making a strong claim as his home state's premier two-year-old, Lambro Mach boasts three wins and a second from four starts, with his victories including the Lordship Stake and Golden Nursery Final.

Admitting the son of Betting Line faces a rise in class, Phillips remains confident Lambro Mach will acquit himself well against the locals.

"You've got to have rocks in your head if you think you can go there and run over them, but we'll be trying our best," Phillips said.

"His owners wanted to give it a crack over there to get a bit of measuring stick on him, so were going.

"He's put in some big runs at Globe Derby to show he has plenty of ability, so it's time to test him."

To be driven by Nathan Jack, Lambro Mach has been given the visitors' treatment after drawing barrier seven - the outside of the front row.

"The draw is not the best and it will definitely make it tough," Phillips said. "It is hard to say where he will end up in the run from there, so I'm not expecting anything great.

"I will just be happy to see him run a good race, but win, lose or draw after this we will flick him out into a paddock."

• PAUL COURTS