Elusive Express has potentially put her hand up for a start in the VRC Oaks after claiming her first stakes victory at Flemington.
The Anthony and Sam Freedman-trained daughter of Jakkalberry took out the Group 2 Edward Manifold Stakes (1610m) on Saturday at her fourth career start.
Under the guidance of Jye Mcneil and starting the $3.80 favourite, Elusive Express registered a three-quarter length win from Yearning ($7) with Glint Of Hope ($9) a further 2-¼ lengths away third.
Sam Freedman said the Group 1 Thousand Guineas (1600m) at Caulfield on October 13 or the Group 3 Ethereal Stakes (2000m) would likely be the next start for Elusive Express.
The Group 1 VRC Oaks (2500m) is run at Flemington on November 4.
He said the stable did a DNA test on Elusive Express which showed the filly’s best distance would be around 2000 metres.
“I think she’s got the constitution to cop a prep to head towards an Oaks so we’ll give that thought,” Freedman said.
“I was querying her attitude behind the gates, and she has given us a bit of grief, but we’ve always thought she would get out to a bit of a trip.
“We did a DNA test on her which said that she’d probably be suited out to 2000 metres.
“We may look to head that way, but it is her first preparation and we’re mindful of looking after her for the autumn.”
Freedman praised the ride of McNeil who was able to extradite the Elusive Express from an awkward spot during Saturday race.
“He got her out of a tricky spot, managed to navigate into the clear,” Freedman said.
“She’s a filly that should keep getting better as we step her out in trip, but we’ll give the Thousand Guineas some thought, but a race like the Ethereal might suit her a bit better.”
