A potential start in the Victoria Derby could be on the cards for Miss Waititi, trained by Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr, following her upcoming run at Caulfield.

The Group 3 Ethereal Stakes over 2000 metres this Saturday will be pivotal in deciding whether Miss Waititi targets the Derby or the VRC Oaks, both contested over 2500 metres at Flemington during Melbourne Cup week.

Price acknowledged that the Derby idea was merely a ‘thought bubble’ at this juncture, emphasizing that Saturday’s performance would significantly influence the final decision.

Historically, since its inception in 1855, 13 fillies have claimed victory in the Victoria Derby, with Frances Tressady being the last in 1923. Born To Be Queen secured a placing in 1985, but no filly has participated in the race this century.

“We have a small thought of running her in this year’s Victoria Derby,” Price stated.

“Fillies don’t do it much, but does it matter, because you can go Ethereal and then two weeks to the Derby, otherwise, we go to the Wakeful (Stakes, same day as the Derby) and then back up into the Oaks.

“It is only a thought at this stage, so it will all be determined after what she does on Saturday.”

Miss Waititi demonstrated her staying capabilities when she powered through heavy track conditions to win the Super Impose Stakes (1800m) at Flemington on October 3.

Price indicated he is still gaining a full understanding of the filly’s capabilities, noting that a discussion with part-owner Tim Porter led to considerations about aiming Miss Waititi towards the Victoria Oaks on November 5.

Prior to her success at Flemington, Miss Waititi had only raced on two occasions.

“I had a chat to Tim Porter about her, and he said is there any possibility of her being a VRC Oaks filly,” Price explained.

“If she was to be an Oaks filly, then this is what we had to do with her.

“She could not have won the Edward Manifold on that day (at Flemington), so we went to the 1800-metre and she won.

“It was Listed so she’s got that status, and now we know what she can do.

“I know it was a lesser race, but what will be in the VRC Oaks and even the Derby.

“We’ll get to know more on Saturday.”

The Ethereal Stakes presents a crucial test for Miss Waititi, and punters are looking at the online bookmakers to see the odds for the upcoming races.