Myer Over Mackinnon for Secret Admirer

Grahame Begg has opted to race Secret Admirer in the Group 1 Myer Classic (1600m) at Flemington this Saturday instead of taking on Cox Plate winner Ocean Park in the Group 1 Mackinnon Stakes (2000m).

Secret Admirer

Secret Admirer heads to the Group 1 Myer Classic at Flemington on Saturday. Photo by: Steve Hart.

The five-year-old mare was dual nominated for both events but Begg confirmed via twitter she would be taking on her own sex in the $500,000 fillies and mares’ event.

“We’re going to the Myer,” Begg tweeted.

“Secret Admirer strode out in great style at Flemington this morning.”

It means a drop back in distance of 800 metres for the dual Group 1 winner who was beaten nearly six lengths when 11th in the Caulfield Cup (2400m).

But the distance has proven the daughter of Dubawi’s best in the past, with both her Group 1 victories coming over 1600 metres.

The last of those was the 2011 Epsom Handicap last October meaning it has been more than a year since she has passed the winning post in front.

Despite the lack of winning success, Secret Admirer has been a solid performer throughout the spring with minor placings in the Group 2 Warwick Stakes (1400m), Group 2 Chelmsford Stakes (1600m) and Group 1 George Main Stakes (1600m).

While the Myer start does avoid a clash with the in-form Ocean Park, Secret Admirer still faces a tough challenge against a number of quality mares.

Acceptances will be announced tomorrow but included in nominations are Tristarc Stakes top three finishers Streama, Pear Tart and Red Tracer, Toorak Handicap runner-up Spirit Song and the in-form Star Of Giselle who has won three consecutive races in lower class races this spring.

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