Trainer Mick Nolan fought back tears after Stylish Secret booked a Victoria Derby ticket at Flemington on Sunday

Stylish Secret booked a Victoria Derby slot with his victory in the Victoria Derby Preview at Flemington on Sunday.

The equine embodiment of Richmond legend Tom Hafey, small in stature but tough as teak, has a ticket to the Group 1 Victoria Derby if “old mate” Mick Nolan and connections want it.

Mornington-based former Queensland trainer Nolan held back tears after the “two-foot tall” Stylish Secret saluted in the Victoria Derby Preview (1800m) at Flemington on Sunday.

The tough three-year-old’s ownership includes Jeff Hogg, former Richmond captain and five-time leading goalkicker.

“I told him (Hogg) early days he reminds me of Tommy Hafey this horse,” Nolan said.

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“He’s so tough, he’s 15’2 hands and 420kg … he’s not the best horse in Australia but he’s the toughest little horse about, I’ll tell you that.”

Stylish Secret chimed in the last 200m under jockey Luke Nolen, who sealed a double after victory on Saban earlier on the card, and held off Kingofwallstreet and Politely Dun.

Nolan, who previously worked as an assistant for Mick Price during the halcyon Caulfield training centre days, stopped short of any Derby decisions on Sunday.

“I was going to spell him after Sandown (maiden win), I was going to spell him after Moonee Valley (second),” Nolan said.

Luke Nolen rides Stylish Secret to victory in the Penfolds Victoria Derby Preview Picture: Vince Caligiuri/Getty Images

“I took him home after Moonee Valley and I let him out in his paddock and he nearly kicked my head off, so I’m not making any decisions.

“We’ll just see what happens. I’ll tell you what we will do, we’ll have a beer.”

Nolen appreciated the win for Nolan.

“We go a long way back, the old Caulfield days, the TVs were nearly in black and white,” Nolen said.

“It’s a wonderful privilege to be a part of this horse, I’ve only ridden him three times and been very valiant in all three, I think he might make a nicer autumn horse.

“He’s got it all in courage, what he lacks in size he makes up for it in attitude and true racing heart, you’d like a stable full of them.”

Meanwhile, trainer Danny O’Brien won the Oaks Preview (1800m) on Sunday with Hurry Curry.

The progressive filly, ridden by Jye McNeil, defeated Inevitable Truth and Our Paramour.

O’Brien said Hurry Curry would head to the Group 3 Ethereal Stakes (2000m) at Caulfield on October 19.

Meanwhile, jockey Michael Dee was sent for scans on a suspected wrist injury.

Dee was dislodged from Greta Moon at Flemington on Sunday.

Greta Moon unfortunately was humanely euthanised due to the extent of her injuries.

Originally published as Trainer Mick Nolan fought back tears after Stylish Secret booked a Victoria Derby ticket at Flemington on Sunday