Soviet Secret has been specifically aimed at the Thoroughbred Breeders Stakes at Flemington and trainer Sam Pritchard-Gordon believes that could give the filly an edge over some well-performed opposition.
“I think the advantage she has over her rivals is that we targeted this race from a long way out,” Pritchard-Gordon said.
“So it’s not an afterthought.
“…I couldn’t be happier going into the race.”
While Zamzam and Concealer are coming out of the Group One Blue Diamond Stakes and Selenia and Emphatically raced in a Listed race at Flemington last Saturday, Pritchard-Gordon has been focused on Saturday’s Group Three fillies sprint with Soviet Secret since her last start on February 6.
Soviet Secret has finished close seconds in her two starts in the Listed Merson Cooper Stakes at Sandown in November and last month’s $250,000 Inglis Classic in Sydney last month.
“She’s a very handy filly that would have given a good showing in a Blue Diamond but my experience of horses that could give a good showing is that it can flatten them,” he said.
“I think the 1200 down the straight against fillies was an obvious target. I’m delighted we’ve gone this way.”
Zamzam, third placegetter in the Blue Diamond, is the $4.40 favourite ahead of Concealer ($4.80), Selenia ($5) and Soviet Secret ($6).
Pritchard-Gordon admits is a pretty strong renewal of the race.
“The horses that are hardest to beat are either backing up or coming out of the Blue Diamond,” he said.
“The bottom line is I think when horses are targeted for a race and you don’t have any hiccups, it gives you a much better chance.”
Damien Oliver takes the ride on Soviet Secret and partnered the filly in a comfortable barrier trial on Monday.
