Clinton McDonald 2YO’s set for Caulfield debut in 2025 Merson Cooper Stakes

Clinton McDonald is still recovering from fractured ribs and a punctured lung, yet the trainer remains upbeat as two promising fillies prepare to make their race debuts.

Simply Steffi and Tears Of Happiness will line up at Caulfield on Saturday in the Listed Merson Cooper Stakes (1000m), giving the stable a strong two-pronged attack.

McDonald expects both to run well first-up, but he is especially excited about the long-term potential of Tears Of Happiness.

Simply Steffi, to be ridden by Ben Melham, has had three jump-outs leading in and ran second at Cranbourne on October 27.

The fillies also galloped at Caulfield on Tuesday to familiarise themselves with the track.

“Simply Steffi is a beautiful filly by Graff, a first-season sire,” McDonald said.

“She was bought by Shane McGrath from the Adelaide sale for $15,000.

“She’s a nice filly and was well found and bought by Shane. She’s shown us good ability at home and whatever she does on Saturday she’ll improve upon.”

Tears Of Happiness, purchased by Yu Long Investments for $60,000, is a Pierro filly with only two jump-outs before Saturday.

Beau Mertens will partner her after riding her in trackwork earlier this week.

McDonald believes she will excel once she stretches out beyond 1000 metres.

“Tears of Happiness is my second (two-year-old) runner for Yu Long after we had Tales of Time run second in the Maribyrnong Plate,” McDonald said.

“She’s a nice filly and if we can get that one start into her now, she’s going to come back a nice Sires’ Produce, maybe Champagne (Stakes) type of horse.

“She’ll likely settle back behind them in midfield but be really strong late.

“I really like her, I think she’s a lovely filly, but there’s not much between them and I’m looking forward to stepping them out.”

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