Trainer David Page is looking to Saturday’s Group 3 Leon Macdonald Stakes (1400m) at Morphettville as the ideal stepping stone for stable star Wild Imagination, with plans to target next month’s Balaklava Cup and even a potential trip west for the Perth Cup.

The mare, who delivered Page his greatest racing success when winning the Listed Premier’s Plate (2000m) earlier this year, is now two runs into her campaign after contesting the Mildura Cup and Behemoth Stakes in recent weeks.

Although the eight-year-old is likely to be better suited over further than 1400m, Page has been buoyed by her form and believes she can run well despite her outsider’s price of $51. “She’s probably not at her right trip just yet but just with her rating as high as it is, it’s a bit hard to place her,” he said.

Page explained the mare has thrived when kept on a consistent schedule. “Last time in, she went a lot better when we raced her every 10 to 14 days so we thought we’d run in the Behemoth last start and we picked up a bit of chaff money,” he said. “We’ll keep poking her along and probably go to the Balaklava Cup after Saturday.”

Looking further ahead, Page revealed he is set to spend the summer in Western Australia, with Wild Imagination part of the travelling team. “I’m going to head to Esperance in November for the season over there so, all going well, we’ll take her over there and possibly run her in the Perth Cup. We’ve been planning the trip for a couple of years and it’s all happening now so we’ll see how we go.”

Victorian raiders Splash Back, Running By and Café Millenium head the Leon Macdonald Stakes betting market, but Page remains optimistic his mare can once again surprise on the big stage.

Punters interested in backing Wild Imagination in the Leon Macdonald Stakes or upcoming features like the Balaklava Cup can find odds at Australia’s leading betting sites.