Story by Brad Waters – codesports.com.au
Too Darn Discreet emerged as a serious Oaks contender with her win in the Group 2 Edward Manifold Stakes (1600m) at Flemington before scoring again over 2000m in the Ethereal Stakes.
Jockey Michael Dee had some work to do in the straight to keep Too Darn Discreet’s mind on the job but the $3.90 favourite had a neck to spare over the runner-up Jenni’s Meadow ($10).
Dee said the Dan O’Sullivan-trained Too Darn Discreet still had something in hand at the finish despite the narrowing margin.
“I think there definitely was a lot left,” Dee said.
“She just really wanted to get to the rail and I definitely don’t want to be on the rail.
“I think when I persuaded her to keep going, she was tough.”
O’Sullivan said the Group 2 Wakeful Stakes at Flemington on Victoria Derby Day would Too Darn Discreet’s next assignment before a likely crack at the 2500m of the Oaks at Flemington on November 7.
“Certainly considering the Oaks, especially the way she is, as tough as what she is, the Wakeful has proved over the years to be the form race that you need to run in to get to the Oaks,” O’Sullivan said.
“So this run will probably take a bit out of her, so we’ll see how she recovers. We’ll enjoy the moment today first, and think about what we’ll do going ahead.”
Too Darn Discreet ridden by Michael Dee wins the Schweppes Ethereal Stakes at Caulfield Racecourse on October 19, 2024 in Caulfield, Australia. (Photo by Pat Scala/Racing Photos)
