Last year’s high-class rivals might be taking a toll on the filly, but Mating Call has what it takes to conquer those form lines on the way to a prospective Australasian Oaks slot.
Co-trainers Dan Clarken and Oopy Macgillivray express great contentment regarding the progress of their up-and-coming filly post her Melbourne stakes forays, and Saturday’s M&J Chickens Handicap (1300m) at Morphettville Parks marks her return with promise, despite the challenge of shouldering 60kg.
“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.”
Winless from her Melbourne campaign, the Brazen Beau daughter nevertheless excelled, securing a Racing and Sports rating beyond 105 via third place, beaten half a length, in the Group 2 Edward Manifold Stakes (1600m). Getta Good Feeling prevailed there en route to the Inglis Sprint (1200m) success.
A 103 rating came her way for fifth in the Group 1 Thousand Guineas (1600m) behind Ole Dancer, who carries $7 hopes into the Group 1 Coolmore Classic (1500m) at Rosehill 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 envisions a targeted sequence for her: Listed Clare Lindop Stakes (1600m) March 28, Group 3 Auraria Stakes (1800m), building to the $1 million Group 1 Australasian Oaks (2000m) over 2000m at Morphettville April 25.
She’s a $3.80 chance Saturday, trailing the $3.10 top pick Sir Myka trained by Travis Doudle.
“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.”
Head to the racing odds at leading online bookmakers for the M&J Chickens Handicap.
