The Phillip Stokes stable has its sights set on a juvenile event at Morphettville Parks to secure a first victory for Secret Alliance.
The daughter of Microphone is slated to compete in the Sportsbet Feed Handicap (1000m) on Saturday, marking her second professional outing.
Secret Alliance made her initial appearance at Bendigo on June 25, where she was a popular choice in the betting but ultimately finished fifth in the 1100m two-year-old maiden race.
Following that debut run, Stokes indicated that the stable has a clearer understanding of the filly’s capabilities. He plans to instruct jockey Harry Grace to adopt a more forward racing style aboard Secret Alliance.
“We probably should have been a bit more positive on her,” Stokes stated.
“She had shown us a bit at home. Her jump-outs had been good, and we went to Bendigo thinking we would see a good run.”
“I think she’s well placed over there on Saturday and it’s important to try and get a city win on the board as a two-year-old.”
Stokes mentioned that the filly’s performance on Saturday would be a key factor in future planning, though he is not yet setting lofty targets for Secret Alliance.
He expressed doubts about Secret Alliance’s current readiness for a race like the Listed Lightning Stakes (1050m) at Morphettville on July 25.
“I don’t think the two-year-old’s have as good a record anymore,” Stokes remarked.
“They used to when they would get 49 kilos over 1000 metres at Cheltenham, but the weight difference is a bit closer now, but she’s a nice Microphone filly.”
“We’ll just try and place her right and pick off a few races.”
Grace is aiming to extend his successful period on South Australian tracks since relocating to Adelaide in May. He has climbed into the top 20 of the South Australian Metro Jockey Premiership with eight winners, contributing to his 18 victories on South Australian tracks since early May.
With the Sportsbet Feed Handicap on Saturday, Secret Alliance looks a strong contender to break her maiden status. Punters can find competitive racing odds at many Australian betting sites.