The Phillip Stokes stable is targeting a juvenile race at Morphettville Parks to christen Secret Alliance’s career with a maiden victory.
The daughter of Microphone is set to compete in the Sportsbet Feed Handicap over 1000 metres on Saturday, marking her second professional start.
Secret Alliance made her debut at Bendigo on June 25, where she was a popular choice in betting circles but ultimately finished fifth in the 1100m two-year-old maiden event.
Stokes conveyed that the stable has gained a better insight into the filly’s capabilities following her debut run, and they will instruct jockey Harry Grace to employ more proactive tactics.
“We probably should have been a bit more positive on her,” Stokes mentioned.
“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 indicated that the filly’s performance on Saturday would inform future plans, acknowledging that he is not yet considering major targets for Secret Alliance.
He expressed reservations about Secret Alliance’s current suitability 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 observed.
“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 looking to maintain his successful streak in South Australia following his relocation to Adelaide in May. He has secured eight winners, placing him within the top 20 of the South Australian Metro Jockey Premiership, and has achieved 18 victories on South Australian tracks since May.
Secret Alliance appears well-positioned to claim her maiden win in the Sportsbet Feed Handicap this Saturday. You can find excellent racing odds at various Australian betting sites.
