Clinton McDonald is already plotting a Spring Carnival path for his progressive filly Ahha Ahha, who will have what could be her final winter outing at Flemington this weekend.

The three-year-old steps out in the Darren Galley Mile (1600m) on Saturday, and a performance in line with recent form could see her targeted at the Group 3 Summoned Stakes (1600m) at Caulfield in November.

Ahha Ahha has begun to find her rhythm on the racetrack, with McDonald suggesting her racing maturity is now starting to take shape after nine starts.

She broke through at Cranbourne in April and showed further promise with a strong win over Terrilee at Sandown on May 24.

“The only time she has got it right in her races was when she won at Cranbourne, although she still did a little wrong, and the other day with Jamie (Melham) on,” McDonald said.

“She was able to do it smoothly and didn’t lose her action or drop the bit, and as soon as she gave her one around the backside, she really let rip.”

McDonald says her turn of foot is most effective when the race is run at genuine speed. “I think she likes a fast tempo, and the figures will tell you that,” he added.

“She’s a good filly and the penny is starting to drop, but I think this will be her last run and then I’ll put her away.”

He believes the Summoned Stakes could be an ideal end-of-spring target. “It’s a forgotten race, so we can give her a break and set her for that,” McDonald said.

This Saturday, apprentice Dakotah Keane will replace Jamie Melham in the saddle, benefiting from a valuable 3kg claim.