The filly might be feeling the effects of the quality opposition she faced last year, yet Mating Call possesses the ability to surmount those challenges en route to a potential Australasian Oaks spot.

Co-trainers Dan Clarken and Oopy Macgillivray are thrilled with the development of their rising star since she took on stakes company in Melbourne, and her initial appearance this preparation in the M&J Chickens Handicap (1300m) at Morphettville Parks this Saturday presents a solid chance, even if the 60kg top weight might complicate matters a touch.

“She’s had a jump-out and two barrier trials because I wanted her fit and pretty well primed up to be very competitive first-up,” Clarken said.

“The weight is a little bit of a worry but she certainly is a talent so she probably deserves to get it.”

Even without a victory in her Melbourne stint, the Brazen Beau filly delivered impressive efforts, such as earning a Racing and Sports rating exceeding 105 when placing third, just half a length adrift, in the Group 2 Edward Manifold Stakes (1600m). The victor there, Getta Good Feeling, went on to secure the Inglis Sprint (1200m).

She also achieved a 103 rating upon ending fifth in the Group 1 Thousand Guineas (1600m) to Ole Dancer, the latter now at $7 odds for the Group 1 Coolmore Classic (1500m) at Rosehill this Saturday.

“Since being in Melbourne she has definitely grown up,” Clarken added.

“Her runs over there were terrific and she has matured into a better type of horse and is more tractable.

“She trialled in earmuffs once and then trialled at Oakbank the other day without them and she was good so in that respect she has matured.

“Over the spring she was a bit timid around other horses.”

Clarken has outlined a straightforward program for the filly, kicking off with the Listed Clare Lindop Stakes (1600m) on March 28, then the Group 3 Auraria Stakes (1800m), both as preparations for the $1 million Group 1 Australasian Oaks (2000m) at Morphettville on April 25.

Mating Call sits at $3.80 for Saturday, with Sir Myka, prepared by Travis Doudle, the $3.10 market leader.

“From the soft draw (barrier two), she should be able to perch herself up there and I think there is reasonable speed in the race so she should be able to find herself a nice spot there,” Clarken said.

“It wouldn’t surprise me if she just goes straight past them.”

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