Multiple scratchings can raise alarm bells, but Clinton McDonald insists there is no concern surrounding Miss Ole’s delayed return.
The Ole Kirk filly was withdrawn from a $65,000 race at Flemington on New Year’s Eve after also coming out of a Caulfield Heath meeting on December 20 due to a wide draw.
McDonald has instead opted for the $150,000 Brandt Colac 3YO Handicap at Saturday’s Coastal Classic meeting at Geelong as her first-up target.
“I think she’s going well enough to win first-up, we just needed to have the right ducks in a line to push the button,” McDonald said.
The 1100-metre race will be Miss Ole’s first start since back-to-back Flemington wins on June 7.
Her only other appearance was a debut fifth in the VOBIS Gold Strike at Warrnambool.
A spring infection forced a setback, but McDonald was happy to take a cautious approach.
“We just said ‘no, let’s stop’, because she was on heavy antibiotics and that’s when you stuff them, when you try and force them back,” he said.
“The owners were patient, gave her a spell and came back, and she’s right to go now.”
Miss Ole is being aimed towards the Group 3 Manfred Stakes (1200m) and potentially the Group 1 Robert Sangster Stakes (1200m).
Ben Melham will ride from barrier five in the field of 11.