The 2010 and 2011 winner progressed to the semi-finals with victory in a MARS Ballarat Women’s Gift heat is testing blustery conditions on Saturday.

However, Taylor (5.25m) faces a tough task to get through third semi-final in which she faces backmarker Maddie Coates (2m) and Sarah Blizzard (4.25m).

Coates and Blizzard were two of three to carry red to victory in the heats, with West Australian Julia Phillips (1.75m) the other.

From Ararat but now based in Bruce in the ACT, Blizzard shapes up as the one to beat for the title.

Not only was she strong in her heat, she capped off the day by taking out the open 70m.

Phillips is attempting to emulate her training partner Kiara Reddingius, who took out the women’s 120 gift last year.

Phillips’ biggest obstacle might be getting over the likes Keely Henderson and Lauren Keating, who are each running at the peak of their powers.

While Ballarat runners were unable too win a heat, there is no shortage of them through to the semi-finals as the next fastest times.

Kate Jones, Holly Dobbyn, Tara Domaschenz, Talia Martin and Jacqui McCann all progressed to the four semi-finals.

Semi-finals begin at 11.20am on Sunday, with the final at 3.50pm.

HEAT WINNERS

HEAT 1: Amie Mittiga 5.25

 HEAT 2: Karlee Bailey 9.5

 HEAT 3: Sophie Taylor 5.25

 HEAT 4: Kasey Moore 13.5

 HEAT 5: Sarah Blizzard 4.25

 HEAT 6 Lauren Keating 11.5

 HEAT 7: Keely Henderson 7.75

 HEAT 8: Julia Phillips 1.75

 HEAT 9: Maddie Coates 2