Despite Stylish Secret’s impressive win in Sunday’s Victoria Derby Preview (1800m) at Flemington, trainer Mick Nolan is keeping his expectations in check for the gelding.
Ridden by Luke Nolen, Stylish Secret secured a 0.4-length victory over Kingofwallstreet, with Politely Dun finishing the same margin behind in third.
Nolan expressed pride in the win but remained cautious about future plans.
“I’ll celebrate Sunday’s victory before deciding where to go next with Stylish Secret,” he said.
“He’s the toughest little horse and the smartest little horse I’ve ever worked with in my entire life. T
“his is his first prep. He’s 15.2 hands high, weighs 420 kilos, and this was his fifth start. It’s amazing what he’s achieved.”
Among the horse’s owners is former Richmond captain Jeff Hogg, whom Nolan fondly mentioned.
“I told them (all the owners) early on that he (Stylish Secret) reminds me of Tommy Hafey—he’s just so tough.”
Having claimed the Derby Preview, Stylish Secret is now ballot-exempt from the Group 1 Victoria Derby (2500m), where he is a +1400 winning chance with horse racing bookmakers.
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