Maastricht on trial for G1 VRC Oaks start
The Ethereal Stakes at Caulfield on Saturday will determine the immediate racing future of lightly raced filly Maastricht.
The Hawkes Racing-trained daughter of Mastercraftsman lines up in the 2000-metre race for three-year-old fillies and a pleasing performance could see her press on towards a start in the VRC Oaks at Flemington on November 6.
The filly has had just three starts, finishing a last-start second to Fontein Ruby in the Group Two Edward Manifold Stakes at Flemington on October 4.
Maastricht made a winning debut in maiden grade at Echuca on July 7 before heading to a restricted race at Bendigo, scoring by a length over 1400m on September 10.
Wayne Hawkes said Maastricht gave every indication she will run the Ethereal Stakes journey.
"We need to see how she runs on Saturday and then work it from there," Hawkes said.
"It's another good test for her. She looked like she wanted to run the 2000 metres the other day."
Hawkes said the outside draw was not ideal for a filly having just her fourth start and stepping up to 2000m.
He said he wanted the filly to have the easiest run as possible to give her the chance of running the trip and then going on to a possible Oaks start.
"I'm not happy with the barrier," Hawkes said.
"It's a big minus but I can't do anything about that."
