Serenely Discreet could back-up in Thousand Guineas

Serenely Discreet

Adelaide trainer Phillip Stokes is eyeing a quick back-up for Serenely Discreet into the Thousand Guineas at Caulfield, six days after her Group Two win at Flemington.

Serenely Discreet made up for an unlucky run at Caulfield at her last start by capturing the Edward Manifold Stakes (1600m) on Sunday.

If she comes through the race well, Stokes will take her back to Caulfield for Saturday’s Group One Thousand Guineas over the same distance.

Ridden by Luke Nolen, Serenely Discreet had a clear passage up the straight to win the Manifold by 1-1/4 lengths from Bella Sorellastra ($31) with Waterloo Sunset ($17) a length away third.

Serenely Discreet was held up for clear galloping room at Caulfield over 1400m on September 17 and on Sunday punters shied away from her because of barrier 15.

But the draw didn’t concern Stokes who said the filly was better suited at Flemington.

“We always thought she would be better when she got to Flemington on the bigger track and to the outside,” Stoke said.

Serenely Discreet’s victory was the second in the Manifold for Stokes and principle owner David Peacock with the pair winning with Maybe Discreet in 2012.

Stokes said the VRC Oaks at Flemington next month was the ultimate aim for Serenely Discreet.

He said if the filly missed next week’s Thousand Guineas she was likely to head to Wakeful Stakes instead of tackling the males in Caulfield Classic on October 15.

“If she doesn’t back up next week we’ll select an Oaks path for her but we’ll let the horse do the talking,” Stokes said.

“But taking on the boys, I’m not that keen.

“I’m hoping she pulls up well to run her next week then we’ll head to the Wakeful as the lead-up to the Oaks.”

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