Matthews, who partnered the two year-old filly to an all-the-way win in Monday's $10,000 feature at Stawell, was confident his drive would be up to the challenges of this weekend's group one event.

``You have just got to have good manners in these races, she has got the manners and the ability too,'' Matthews said.

``She'll be there (in the finish), you only need one or two of the good ones to get caught up in traffic.''

It is hard to dispute Matthews' comments after the daughter of Continentalman won her debut start in a restricted race at Maryborough on Thursday last week and then displayed brilliant manners to write her name into the Stawell Harness Racing Club history books.

The form through The Maori Legend also points to a forward showing by the Barry Garbutt-trained youngster this Sunday after inaugural race winner Andys Favourite went on to win the Redwood Classic in 2005. A year later, Kerryn Manning's Donttellmehetrots finished second as did Graeme Lang-trained Star Wagon in 2007.

However, luck did play its part in Monday's victory at Stawell with the scratchings of Supapegasus and Kirsly Kept allowing Continentalclassic to gain a start in the traditional lead-up to the Redwood, after being named as the first emergency for the race.

The bay filly then began like a greyhound from the standing start, and with a number of horses breaking back in the field, was able to enjoy a big lead for much of the 2175 metre journey. She then held on to beat Magic Interest by almost six metres with Kan Yu running into third.

Matthews, who collected his first Maori Legend trophy, said the early manners helped his horse get the winning break she needed.

``She got a bit tired towards the end but because she had such good manners early, we were lucky enough to hold on,'' he said.

``Turning into the back straight she was off the bit and I pulled the earplugs and she got a bit lost then.

``I thought I had enough break on them and when they did come she got going again so there was probably a little bit left there.

``Hopefully I left something in there for Sunday.''

Matthews said it had been a long, drawn out preparation for the daughter of Continentalman.

``We have been in work a long time, broke her in and been very patient with her. They had only taken it along slowly but you always aim for the nice races and she is in a nice one now.''

Continentalclassic has drawn barrier nine in Sunday's Redwood Classic, which will be race seven at 2.46pm.