John Thompson concedes Open Secret may lack the dash to win Saturday’s Furious Stakes, but he views the race as an ideal lead-up to the remaining Princess Series legs.

The filly improved sharply when finishing fourth behind Savvy Hallie in the Silver Shadow Stakes (1200m) after a below-par first-up run in July.

“She normally jumps well and that day she missed the kick and we were scratching our head because she couldn’t even keep up,” Thompson said.

“She actually slipped out of the gates and pulled a ‘hammie’ (hamstring) so we had to give her a couple of weeks off and get her right but thankfully she came right in time.”

Thompson expects her to appreciate firmer footing, with Randwick rated a soft 6 on Thursday and sunshine forecast.

Alysha Collett retains the ride from barrier three, with Thompson confident the filly will shine over longer trips in the Tea Rose Stakes (1400m) and Flight Stakes (1600m).

Sixteen accepted for the Furious, though Ciaron Maher confirmed Angel Ladder will instead line up in the Atlantic Jewel Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley.