Too Darn Discreet is set to begin a new campaign with hopes of securing a spot in the Group 1 Australasian Oaks (2000m).
Trainer Dan O’Sullivan is optimistic as she prepares to line up in Saturday’s Listed Desirable Stakes (1400m) at Flemington.
The three-year-old made a successful step up in distance during the spring, winning the Group 2 Edward Manifold Stakes (1600m) at Flemington before claiming the Group 3 Ethereal Stakes (2000m) at Caulfield.
Her campaign ended with a sixth-place finish in the Group 1 VRC Oaks (2500m) at Flemington in November.
O’Sullivan noted that the filly had kept her fitness levels up after running second in a recent Geelong trial behind New Zealand Group 1 winner Here To Shock.
“She’s quite an athletic filly and she retained her fitness, but she laid in again in the trial which is a bit of a habit she’s got,” he said.
Her primary goal remains the Australasian Oaks in South Australia, where all of her owners are based.
“Her goal is the Australasian Oaks in South Australia as that’s where all her owners are. She’ll kick off on Saturday, possibly go to the Kewney after and then we’ll pick out something between that and the Oaks.
“I’d like to keep her here as long as possible and go over just once.”
In an effort to curb her waywardness under pressure, O’Sullivan has added a lugging bit to the filly’s race gear.
“We still haven’t gone blinkers but the problem is it’s only on race day that she does it,” he said.
“You think you’ve got it right but then she comes out and does it under pressure.
“A few good horses do it, so it’s something we’ll keep working on.”
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