Miss Waititi's path to be decided in Ethereal Stakes

Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr's filly, Miss Waititi, might be set for a tilt at the Victoria Derby, contingent on her performance in an upcoming Caulfield race.

The Group 3 Ethereal Stakes, a 2000-metre contest on Saturday, will serve as the deciding factor for Miss Waititi's campaign, determining whether she heads towards the Derby or the VRC Oaks, both run over 2500 metres at Flemington during the Melbourne Cup carnival.

According to Price, the Derby entry is currently a speculative idea, with her performance this Saturday being the key determinant.

Records show that 13 fillies have won the Victoria Derby since its inception in 1855, the last being Frances Tressady in 1923. Born To Be Queen was the last to finish in the placings in 1985, and no filly has contested the race this century.

"We have a small thought of running her in this year's Victoria Derby," Price commented.

"Fillies don't do it much, but does it matter, because you can go Ethereal and then two weeks to the Derby, otherwise, we go to the Wakeful (Stakes, same day as the Derby) and then back up into the Oaks.

"It is only a thought at this stage, so it will all be determined after what she does on Saturday."

Miss Waititi proved her staying credentials when she navigated the Heavy 10 conditions to clinch victory in the Super Impose Stakes (1800m) at Flemington on October 3.

Price conveyed that he is still acquainting himself with the filly's capabilities, and it was following a discussion with co-owner Tim Porter that the possibility of Miss Waititi contesting the Victoria Oaks on November 5 was broached.

Before her Flemington triumph, Miss Waititi had participated in only two previous races.

"I had a chat to Tim Porter about her, and he said is there any possibility of her being a VRC Oaks filly," Price revealed.

"If she was to be an Oaks filly, then this is what we had to do with her.

"She could not have won the Edward Manifold on that day (at Flemington), so we went to the 1800-metre and she won.

"It was Listed so she's got that status, and now we know what she can do.

"I know it was a lesser race, but what will be in the VRC Oaks and even the Derby.

"We'll get to know more on Saturday."

The outcome of the Ethereal Stakes will significantly influence Miss Waititi's campaign, and race betting markets are closely watched by enthusiasts.