Too Darn Discreet firms as VRC Oaks favourite with third straight win in Ethereal Stakes at Caulfield

Too Darn Discreet continued her charge towards the VRC Oaks with another win in the Ethereal Stakes at Caulfield.

Too Darn Discreet had to dig deep to win the Ethereal Stakes at Caulfield. Picture: Michael Klein

It didn’t look pretty on face value but Too Darn Discreet took another step towards the VRC Oaks in the Group 3 Ethereal Stakes (2000m) at Caulfield.

Too Darn Discreet emerged as a serious Oaks contender with her win in the Group 2 Edward Manifold Stakes (1600m) at Flemington before scoring again over 2000m in the Ethereal Stakes.

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Ladbrokes promoted Too Darn Discreet to the top line of VRC Oaks betting at $5, along with Sydney filly Powers Of Opal, after notching her third straight win.

Jockey Michael Dee had some work to do in the straight to keep Too Darn Discreet’s mind on the job but the $3.90 favourite had a neck to spare over the runner-up Jenni’s Meadow ($10).

Dee said the Dan O’Sullivan-trained Too Darn Discreet still had something in hand at the finish despite the narrowing margin.

Too Darn Discreet is too darn good! 🔥

Mick Dee notches up an early double at Caulfield. ✌️@DOSullivanRacepic.twitter.com/aF3EnOPkuo

— 7HorseRacing 🐎 (@7horseracing) October 19, 2024

“I think there definitely was a lot left,” Dee said.

“She just really wanted to get to the rail and I definitely don’t want to be on the rail.

“I think when I persuaded her to keep going, she was tough.”

O’Sullivan said the Group 2 Wakeful Stakes at Flemington on Victoria Derby Day would Too Darn Discreet’s next assignment before a likely crack at the 2500m of the Oaks at Flemington on November 7.

“Certainly considering the Oaks, especially the way she is, as tough as what she is, the Wakeful has proved over the years to be the form race that you need to run in to get to the Oaks,” O’Sullivan said.

“So this run will probably take a bit out of her, so we’ll see how she recovers. We’ll enjoy the moment today first, and think about what we’ll do going ahead.”

Originally published as Too Darn Discreet firms as VRC Oaks favourite with third straight win in Ethereal Stakes at Caulfield