Trainer John Thompson concedes Open Secret may not possess the sharp sprint required to win the Furious Stakes but views the race as an ideal stepping stone towards the longer assignments of the Princess Series.

The filly turned her form around last start when flashing home for fourth behind Savvy Hallie in the Silver Shadow Stakes (1200m), a much better showing than her first-up effort when she finished well back after stumbling out of the gates. “She actually slipped out of the gates and pulled a ‘hammie’ (hamstring) so we had to give her a couple of weeks off and get her right but thankfully she came right in time,” Thompson explained.

With the Silver Shadow contested on a heavy 10, Thompson is confident Open Secret will be far more effective on a firmer surface. Randwick was rated a soft 6 on Thursday with clear weather forecast, conditions that suit his three-year-old as she eyes the Tea Rose Stakes (1400m) and Flight Stakes (1600m).

Regular rider Alysha Collett continues the partnership from barrier three. “She is looking like she is looking for 1400 or a mile, which is great for the next couple of races after Saturday,” Thompson said. “I reckon they will be too sharp for her this week but looking towards those races, she is going super. Alysha came and galloped her and said she had improved.”

A full field of 16 accepted for the Furious, although Ciaron Maher confirmed Angel Ladder will instead stay in Melbourne for the Atlantic Jewel Stakes at Moonee Valley.