Mathew Ellerton and Simon Zahra will send Secret Liaison up to Sydney this evening before she chases black type when contesting the Group 3 Adrian Knox Stakes at Randwick on Saturday.
The Artie Schiller filly has taken a while coming to hand this campaign however put in her best effort this preparation when finishing runner up at Caulfield over 1700m last start.
Secret Liaison now steps back up to Group company on Saturday at Randwick when she contests the Patinack Farm Adrian Knox Stakes (2000m).
The Flemington training partnership had nominated Secret Liaison for Morphettville's Auraria Stakes (1800m) on Saturday however with promising fillies Princess Rock, Rock Culture and Bliss Street lining up, elected to take the Sydney route.
“She is booked on a flight to come up tonight,” co-trainer Simon Zahra said.
“The field is a bit smaller and it didn't look as strong as Adelaide [Auraria Stakes] does. It looks like a nice race for her.”
Secret Liaison will be looking to bolster her black type record which currently stands at one win having claimed the $100,000 Listed Twilight Glow Stakes (1400m) at Sandown last spring.
“She's done it at this level before, she won that Stakes races on Sandown Guineas day,” Zahra said.
“She has taken a while to come to hand and put her best run in the other day.
“She is just starting to find her form. We were pleased with the effort and now all she has to do is travel up alright and then handle that way of going.
“She hasn't done a lot of work on the Sydney leg but she is one of those fillies who leads on that leg anyway. She should handle it but you never know until you put them under pressure.”
Secret Liaison is currently a $6 chance with TAB Sportsbet Fixed Odds to win the Group 3 Adrian Knox Stakes behind the Roger James-trained $3.40 favourite Full Of Spirit.
