Phillip Stokes is hoping favourite Mileva can prove she’s worthy of being aimed at Group One sprints by taking out the Group Three Bletchingly Stakes (1200 metres) at Caulfield on Saturday and keeping her undefeated record at the track intact.
Mileva returned recently winning the first leg of the Caulfield Group Three sprint double in July with a victory in the Sir John Monash Stakes.
She again takes on four of her rivals who she beat in last start but she’s up against a stronger field with dual Group One winner Streets Of Avalon resuming and also interstate visitors Scallopini, King Of Sparta and Maramia in the race.
Stokes said Mileva had improved since her first-up win and was in good order but said the 1200 metres had been a query in the past with her.
“I think she’s in the right shape to give her every chance to run the 1200 metres out. She’s an older mare and she’s physically stronger,” Stokes said.
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Mileva has had four starts over 1200 metres with a best result of a third and a fourth. She has had two starts at Caulfield for two wins over 1100 metres.
The Pakenham trainer said the race should set up similarly to the Sir John Monash Stakes with the likes of Aysar and Sartorial Splendor setting a fast speed and Mileva settling off the pace.
“She’s drawn the outside barrier and Daniel Moor will take her back like he did last time. He’ll know her a bit better for having ridden her and from a wide draw she’s also going to get more room,” Stokes said.
Stokes said if Mileva won he would aim her at the feature Group One sprints. If she didn’t he would keep her to Group Two and Three sprints.
Mileva will have to defy history as only two horses have completed the Sir John Monash Stakes and Bletchingly Stakes double with the last one Rubitano in 2002. In total 16 horses have attempted the double for two wins, two seconds and a third with 11 unplaced.
