Racing manners will be key to the chances of talented filly Miss Spoken when she resumes at Randwick on Monday.
The three-year-old was diagnosed with a throat disorder at the end of her last campaign, shedding some light on the reasons for her mixed form.
Third to star filly Sea Siren second-up in December, the Gary Portelli-trained Miss Spoken scored a breakthrough victory at her home track of Warwick Farm two starts later before her form tapered off.
“She was having trouble with her throat and was choking down,” Portelli said.
“We had a dynamic scope done to see what was happening and her throat was collapsing if she got into a race where she was pulling. That’s why we have to keep her to sprints so hopefully they go a bit faster and she doesn’t pull.
“It’s not operable so it’s something she just has to deal with.”
Miss Spoken has not raced since failing to beat a rival home in the Group Two Light Fingers Stakes in February.
She finished third in a recent barrier trial and Portelli is confident Miss Spoken will give the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Trophy (1100m) a shake.
However, Portelli warned he would be taking no chances with her if Randwick was too wet.
“She did trial well at Warwick Farm on a wet track but that was in a trial,” he said.
“It’s a different story once you let them off the bridle.
“We know she’s capable. Unfortunately, we had a wet summer and there were a lot of horses who were in work for ages just waiting for dry tracks.
“Winter is usually a good time for those horses who aren’t quite up to carnival level but we’re just hoping for a drier winter.”
Nathan Berry has the ride on Miss Spoken who has drawn well in barrier two.
There are eight races at the holiday Monday meeting, including an 1800 metre race for two-year-olds.
The event is part of an initiative by Racing NSW to provide more options for two and three-year-old staying types leading into the Significant Stakes (1900m) at Rosehill on June 30 which carries a $40,000 BOBS bonus to the winner.
