Trainer Clinton McDonald is pushing through fractured ribs and a punctured lung, but his spirits are high as two of his fillies prepare for their first raceday appearance.

Simply Steffi and Tears Of Happiness will both debut at Caulfield in Saturday’s Listed Merson Cooper Stakes (1000m), and McDonald believes each has a bright future.

While he expects competitive showings from both, Tears Of Happiness has him particularly optimistic about the months ahead.

Simply Steffi, who Ben Melham will ride, comes into the race after three jump-outs, including a runner-up finish at Cranbourne on October 27.

McDonald gave both youngsters a look around Caulfield earlier in the week.

“Simply Steffi is a beautiful filly by Graff, a first-season sire,” McDonald said.

“She was bought by Shane McGrath from the Adelaide sale for $15,000.

“She’s a nice filly and was well found and bought by Shane. She’s shown us good ability at home and whatever she does on Saturday she’ll improve upon.”

Tears Of Happiness, purchased by Yu Long Investments for $60,000, is a Pierro filly and has just two jump-outs under her belt.

Beau Mertens stays aboard after riding her at Caulfield on Tuesday.

McDonald sees her as a filly who will thrive with further racing and more ground.

“Tears of Happiness is my second (two-year-old) runner for Yu Long after we had Tales of Time run second in the Maribyrnong Plate,” McDonald said.

“She’s a nice filly and if we can get that one start into her now, she’s going to come back a nice Sires’ Produce, maybe Champagne (Stakes) type of horse.

“She’ll likely settle back behind them in midfield but be really strong late.

“I really like her, I think she’s a lovely filly, but there’s not much between them and I’m looking forward to stepping them out.”

For betting on the Merson Cooper or any other Caulfield race, see the best Australian betting sites.