A start in the Victoria Derby could be on the cards for Miss Waititi, trained by Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr, following her run at Caulfield.
The Group 3 Ethereal Stakes over 2000 metres on Saturday will be the deciding factor for Miss Waititi’s future path – the Derby or the VRC Oaks, both 2500-metre races at Flemington during Melbourne Cup week.
Price stated that the Derby idea was a ‘thought bubble’ for the moment, and her performance on Saturday would heavily influence the decision.
Since its introduction in 1855, the Victoria Derby has seen 13 fillies victorious, with Frances Tressady being the last in 1923. Born To Be Queen was the last filly to finish in the placings in 1985, and no filly has run in the race this century.
“We have a small thought of running her in this year’s Victoria Derby,” Price said.
“Fillies don’t do it much, but does it matter, because you can go Ethereal and then two weeks to the Derby, otherwise, we go to the Wakeful (Stakes, same day as the Derby) and then back up into the Oaks.
“It is only a thought at this stage, so it will all be determined after what she does on Saturday.”
Miss Waititi demonstrated her staying capacity when she ploughed through the Heavy 10 conditions to win the Super Impose Stakes (1800m) at Flemington on October 3.
Price mentioned he is still learning about the filly, and after a conversation with part-owner Tim Porter, there was discussion about setting Miss Waititi for the Victoria Oaks on November 5.
Before her Flemington win, Miss Waititi had only raced twice.
“I had a chat to Tim Porter about her, and he said is there any possibility of her being a VRC Oaks filly,” Price commented.
“If she was to be an Oaks filly, then this is what we had to do with her.
“She could not have won the Edward Manifold on that day (at Flemington), so we went to the 1800-metre and she won.
“It was Listed so she’s got that status, and now we know what she can do.
“I know it was a lesser race, but what will be in the VRC Oaks and even the Derby.
“We’ll get to know more on Saturday.”
The Ethereal Stakes will be a key indicator for Miss Waititi’s potential, and the racing betting markets are expected to be active.
