Trainer Clinton McDonald has played down concerns surrounding Miss Ole after the filly was scratched twice within a fortnight.

The Ole Kirk three-year-old was first withdrawn from the Caulfield Heath meeting on December 20 due to an awkward draw before being taken out of a $65,000 New Year’s Eve race at Flemington.

McDonald has instead chosen Saturday’s $150,000 Brandt Colac 3YO Handicap at the Coastal Classic meeting at Geelong as her return 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 contest will mark Miss Ole’s first start since her back-to-back wins at Flemington on June 7, where she showcased her ability.

Her early career also includes a debut fifth in the VOBIS Gold Strike at Warrnambool during the May Carnival.

Plans for a spring campaign were shelved when Miss Ole developed an infection, prompting McDonald to abandon the preparation.

“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 has since returned with two understated trials and will use Saturday’s race as a stepping stone towards the Group 3 Manfred Stakes (1200m).

“She’s growing into a good type of filly, she’s going to be a nice three-year-old in the autumn,” McDonald said.

“We’re hoping that she can get to Adelaide for a Sangster, or somewhere like that if she keeps going the way she’s going.

“We thought if we can get these two runs under her belt (we’d) then back off her and come into Adelaide with a little freshen up.”

The Group 1 Robert Sangster Stakes (1200m) looms as a long-term goal.

Ben Melham will be aboard Miss Ole from barrier five in the field of 11.

Punters can find odds for Miss Ole’s return through the Australian betting sites list.