Trainer Clinton McDonald has his eyes on the Melbourne Spring Carnival, setting a long-range target for promising filly Ahha Ahha despite the season still being months away.

Ahha Ahha will continue her preparation at Flemington on Saturday when she lines up in the Darren Galley Mile (1600m), with her sights set on the Group 3 Summoned Stakes (1600m) at Caulfield in November.

McDonald indicated that this weekend’s race may be the filly’s final outing before a well-deserved break, with the plan to bring her back fresh for a tilt at late-spring riches.

The three-year-old has two wins from nine starts, including a maiden victory at Cranbourne in April and an impressive last-start win at Sandown on May 24, where she defeated Terrilee.

“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.”

According to McDonald, a solid tempo plays to Ahha Ahha’s strengths. “I think she likes a fast tempo, and the figures will tell you that,” he said.

“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.”

“I’ll bring her back and look to the spring, with something like the Summoned Stakes at the backend of the Carnival a suitable target.”

“I reckon that race at the end of the spring, it’s a forgotten race, so we can give her a break and set her for that.”

While Jamie Melham partnered her last start, apprentice Dakotah Keane, who claims 3kg, will take the reins on Saturday.