Trainer Phillip Stokes believes fate may have played its part after Ferivia turned a missed run into a Group 2 triumph at Sandown. The filly was a race morning scratching from last week’s Listed Jim Moloney Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield but bounced back to take out Saturday’s Group 2 Thousand Guineas Prelude (1400m).

In a thrilling finish that saw just half a length between the top five, Ferivia ($11) fought on to edge out favourite Ole Dancer ($2.80) by a short half-head, with Salty Pearl ($9) close up in third.

Stokes confirmed the filly will now head directly to the Group 1 Thousand Guineas (1600m) at Caulfield on October 18. “She was meant to run last week but we had to scratch her. It’s turned out a blessing,” Stokes said. “She’ll improve again, and the mile will suit.”

Jockey Lachlan Neindorf echoed the sentiment, praising her determination. “I thought I was gone at the 100 but she changed legs and lifted. She’s always felt like a 1400-metre to mile filly, and she showed that today.”