Phillip Stokes says missing a start a week ago may be a blessing in disguise as Ferivia presses ahead toward a Group 1 race at Caulfield.
Ferivia was a race morning scratching from the Listed Jim Moloney Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield last week after a stable mishap and was instead targeted at Saturday’s Group 2 Thousand Guineas Prelude (1400m) at Sandown.
In a blanket finish in which a half-length separated the first five horses across the line, Ferivia ($11) prevailed by a short-half-head from the $2.80 favourite Ole Dancer with Salty Pearl ($9) a nose away third.
Stokes said the Group 1 Thousand Guineas (1600m) at Caulfield on October 18 was now the target for Ferivia and she would head to that race without another start.
Had Ferivia been able to start at Caulfield last week, Stokes said the filly would most likely have needed to line up in the Group 2 Edward Manifold Stakes (1600m) at Flemington next Saturday.
“She was meant to run last week but we had to scratch her on race morning, but it has turned out to be a blessing,” Stokes said.
“She missed a bit of work, so there is improvement to come and by the time the Guineas is run, she should be on song.
“I don’t think the mile will be a problem. They really ran along, and she was strong late and I would like to think she could run out a strong mile.
“She does hit a flat spot and takes a while to wind up, but Lachie knows her well.”
Jockey Lachlan Neindorf has always felt Ferivia would appreciate 1400m and extend out to a mile.
The jockey was impressed with the filly’s toughness on Saturday.
“I thought I was gone at the 100 (metres), but she changed legs and found again,” Neindorf said.
“She was tough. I’ve always said from day dot that she would be a 1400-metre to a mile horse, and I feel she’s starting to make her presence felt.
“There was a good tempo, and she toughed it out late, and to be honest I felt I was only hitting my straps on the line.
“I think she’ll get a mile for sure.”
