Trainer combination Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young are prepared to challenge the colts with Joely in a Stakes race at Flemington as they aim for the VRC Oaks.
Joely is one of two fillies slated to compete in the Group 2 Drummond Golf Vase (2040m) this Saturday, which serves as the filly’s final run before targeting the Group 1 VRC Oaks (2500m) at Flemington on November 5.
Historically, Jameka was the last filly to secure the Vase in 2015, subsequently claiming the Oaks at her subsequent start.
While the more conventional route to the Oaks involves the Wakeful Stakes (2000m) at Flemington the following Saturday, Busuttin indicated that the Vase presented a more suitable stepping stone for the filly’s campaign towards the Group 1 feature next month.
Busuttin revealed that the stable had opted to bypass the Ethereal Stakes (2000m) at Caulfield last Saturday with this particular race in mind.
“She was nominated for the Ethereal, but the aim is the Oaks, and I just thought with 12 days to the Oaks, it fits in nicely,” Busuttin stated.
“I also thought Flemington suited her better than Caulfield and she’s worked up well (with Blind Raise at Flemington on Tuesday) and she will go into the race well.”
Joely has competed in just three races, commencing with a debut victory over 1400m at Echuca in August. She replicated that distance when finishing sixth in the Thousand Guineas Prelude at Caulfield on September 19.
In her most recent performance, Joely made up ground from the rear of the field to secure second place, though she was six lengths behind the winner, Saintly Dancer, in the Edward Manifold Stakes (1600m) at Flemington on October 3.
Saintly Dancer subsequently reinforced the merit of that form by winning the Thousand Guineas (1600m) at Caulfield last Saturday. Notably, Craig Williams will again partner the filly this Saturday.
“Our filly is an out-and-out 2000-metre, mile-and-a-half filly and she was strong through the line last time,” Busuttin remarked.
“The form line is very good and it should suit her.”
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