Phillip Stokes turns to Blake Shinn for Femminile in 2025 Queensland Derby

Group 1 winner Femminile is being prepared for a possible start in the Queensland Derby, with trainer Phillip Stokes enlisting the services of leading jockey Blake Shinn in a bid to keep the talented filly in his care beyond the Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale.

Shinn, who famously won last year’s Queensland Derby aboard Warmonger, will take the reins on Femminile in the 2400m Group 1 race at Eagle Farm on May 31, just four days after the filly is offered for sale.

“She’s going through the sale a few days before, so the new buyers can have a runner in the Derby,” Stokes said.

“She’ll have a reverse (way) trial on Tuesday and then go up at the end of the week. She seems well.”

Femminile showed her class when she toppled the boys in the South Australian Derby on May 3, ridden by Lachlan Neindorf in the OTI Racing silks.

Shinn will also ride Stokes-trained Regal Azmon and Stay Focused at the same Eagle Farm meeting. Regal Azmon is likely to contest the Group 2 Lord Mayor’s Cup over 1800m following his stunning Group 3 win at Morphettville.

“I thought, he’s in career-best so we might as well have a crack at that,” Stokes said. “He’s an older horse, but he’s going as good as ever.”

With the Queensland Derby looming and the filly set to attract significant interest at the Magic Millions Sale, the next two weeks will be pivotal for Femminile’s future.

For those keen to back Femminile or follow the Queensland carnival action, find the latest markets at Australia’s top betting sites.