Robert Sangster Stakes the Target for Petits Filous

Petits Filous completed a strong barrier trial at Cranbourne on Monday morning and will target the Group 1 Robert Sangster Stakes (1200m) at Morphettville on May 7th.

Petits Filous will target the Group 1 Robert Sangster Stakes upon resuming in autumn. Photo: Adrienne Bicknell

Petits Filous will target the Group 1 Robert Sangster Stakes upon resuming in autumn. Photo: Adrienne Bicknell

Petits Filous stormed onto the Australian racing scene through the Spring Carnival but was returned to the paddock after jarring-up during her forgettable run for tenth in the Group 1 Moir Stakes (1000m) at Moonee Valley on October 2nd.

Trainer Ciaron Maher revealed the daughter of Street Boss has taken a little longer than expected to find competitive condition, but he is confident she will return to the track an improved performer.

“She’s just taken a little bit of time to come to hand, but we’ve waited for her and hopefully she can repay us,” Maher told Racing Ahead.

“She was super. She’s still a little pretty and a bit soft but we’ll most likely have another trial similar to that and ask a little more of her.

“She’s back on track now and we’ll just adjust her program to suit.

“She’s a horse that looks to have that Group 1-type of ability and hopefully she can get there.”

Having initially underlined a race like the Group 1 The Galaxy (1100m) at Rosehill Gardens on Golden Slipper Day as a likely target, Maher believes the conditions of the Robert Sangster Stakes will be ideal for the talented three-year-old.

“She may head up to Sydney, or the main aim will probably be the Sangster in Adelaide,” Maher said.

“I thought The Galaxy would have been a nice race for her at Handicap level in Sydney but her bloody wasn’t quite right and I just had to give her an extra couple of weeks.”

Petits Filous stormed home to win the Telstra Phonewords Handicap (1000m) by six lengths on debut in July last year before repeating the dose in the United Refrigeration BM78 (1000m) on August 1st.

Making a successful transition to black type racing in taking out the Group 3 Quezette Stakes (1100m) on August 15th, Petits Filous won the Listed Cap D’Antibes Stakes (1100m) on September 12th, in what was her only other start prior to the Moir Stakes.

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Jared Timms

Jared graduated with a journalism degree in 2011. He is a keen sports fan and has enjoyed many accolades for his lively writing style and comprehensive coverage of major sporting events and horse racing. Today, you can find Jared cheering on his beloved Manchester City with a beer in hand.