Mick Kent has a healthy opinion of Abbey Marie who is set for her second race start at Caulfield.
The daughter of Redoute’s Choice made a big impression with her debut win at Sandown last month and Kent was immediately talking her up as a possible Australasian Oaks contender.
Kent has since lowered his sights but the filly still needs to run well in the JRA Handicap on Saturday to warrant an interstate trip.
The Adelaide Guineas over 1600m at Morphettville on May 14 has been picked out as a suitable target.
And Kent said Saturday’s race over 1440m would give him a good idea as to whether the filly is up to that Listed company.
“It’s a good race on Saturday with some handy types in it,” Kent said.
“She’s looking for a bit more ground but we’ll run her as we’re trying to get to the Guineas over in Adelaide.
“It’s not just a fillies race, it’s an open race, so she’d have to run pretty well on Saturday to warrant going over for it.”
A sister to Kent’s ATC Australian Oaks winner Absolutely, Abbey Marie was a $300,000 yearling purchase.
Kent said he had given Abbey Marie an easy time following her debut on March 23 and has been searching for the right race in the lead-up to Adelaide.
Abbey Marie, to be ridden by Luke Nolen, sits on the third line of betting at $6 behind $4.40 favourite Deja Blue and Lyuba at $5.
