Despite nursing fractured ribs and a punctured lung, trainer Clinton McDonald remains upbeat about the prospects of two promising fillies set for their debuts this weekend.

Simply Steffi and Tears Of Happiness will both step out for the first time at Caulfield on Saturday in the Listed Merson Cooper Stakes (1000m).

McDonald believes both youngsters are capable of running well, but he is particularly excited about what Tears Of Happiness may develop into later in the season.

Simply Steffi, to be ridden by Ben Melham, has had three jump-outs leading into her debut, most recently finishing second in a Cranbourne heat on October 27.

McDonald galloped the pair at Caulfield on Tuesday to give them valuable experience.

“Simply Steffi is a beautiful filly by Graff, a first-season sire,” McDonald said.

“She was bought by Shane McGrath from the Adelaide sale for $15,000.

“She’s a nice filly and was well found and bought by Shane. She’s shown us good ability at home and whatever she does on Saturday she’ll improve upon.”

Tears Of Happiness, a $60,000 Melbourne Premier buy for Yu Long Investments, is a daughter of Pierro and has only had two jump-outs so far.

Beau Mertens partners the filly after riding her in work earlier in the week.

McDonald expects her to come on significantly with racing and further distance.

“Tears of Happiness is my second (two-year-old) runner for Yu Long after we had Tales of Time run second in the Maribyrnong Plate,” McDonald said.

“She’s a nice filly and if we can get that one start into her now, she’s going to come back a nice Sires’ Produce, maybe Champagne (Stakes) type of horse.

“She’ll likely settle back behind them in midfield but be really strong late.

“I really like her, I think she’s a lovely filly, but there’s not much between them and I’m looking forward to stepping them out.”

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