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Phillip Stokes is predicting bright futures for Far From Discreet and Climbing Star after their victories at Cranbourne.
Phillip Stokes has high hopes for two fillies who scored at Cranbourne, one returning from a break and one on debut.
After two runs as a two-year-old, Far From Discreet made her season return in the Renew Your 2022/23 Membership Now Maiden Plate (1400m) before Climbing Star made an impressive debut in taking out the AFC – Peter & Lavella Darose Maiden (1200m).
Stokes believes both fillies have the capabilities of progressing to far better grade than the maiden class races they contested on Wednesday but will be in no rush with the pair.
The Group 1 Australasian Oaks (2000m) at Morphettville next April is a long-range goal for Far From Discreet, a race Stokes won with Maybe Discreet in 2013, a relation of Wednesday's winner.
Stokes said he had picked out Wednesday's race for Far From Discreet to resume in as the filly had raced at Cranbourne previously and although she only scored by a length the was delighted with the victory.
"It looked like when she got to the front, she got a bit lost and didn't know what she was doing, so there's improvement to come and it's good to get the maiden out of the way," Stokes said.
"I think she's a filly that's got a future. How deep she goes into the spring, I'm not sure. She'll have a few more runs, but she'll be better in the autumn."
Stokes had a bit of 'background' on Climbing Star before parting with $600,000 to purchase the daughter of Zoustar at the Inglis Easter Yearling Sale.
Climbing Star is a half-sister to Sansom who Stokes trained to win nine races.
"She's very special," Stokes said.
"I have to thank all the owners. They have been patient with her, but she will reward them, and she will be better over further, but that was a dynamic first-up win, and I couldn't be happier."
Climbing Star was well supported in betting, firming to run the $3 favourite before scoring a widening 1-¾ length win.
Stokes said he would like to get Climbing Star up to 1400m for her next start.
"There's one (Listed Desirable Stakes) at Flemington on Oaks Day, but we'll have to find a race between now and then, but whatever she does in the spring she will be better in the autumn," Stokes said
That was a strong first-up maiden victory by Far From Discreet @pstokesracing @lil_spaino96 @CranTurfClub pic.twitter.com/ITT7Sj2rgS
— Racing.com (@Racing) September 28, 2022