Trainer Ciaron Maher intends to stay true to initial plans for Aloisia to target the Group 1 Crown Oaks (2500m) this season, despite the classy filly’s seemingly lacklustre first-up performance at Caulfield over the weekend.

Aloisia remains on track for an appearance in the Group 1 Crown Oaks in November. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos

Aloisia remains on track for an appearance in the Group 1 Crown Oaks in November. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos

Aloisia drew ideally into the field for the Aquis Farm Supports Pinchapoo Plate (1400m) in barrier 3, but jumped reasonably awkwardly and was unable to completely stretch out in the final straight; eventually finishing close to four lengths off race winner Leather’N’Lace in fifth place.

Assistant trainer to Maher, David Eustace told Racing Victoria that he is confident that Aloisia will only improve off the run and will measure up amongst top quality company with racing and over more ground this time in.

“She was desperately unlucky down the straight,” Eustace said.

“She stepped a little slow, rustiness I think.

“We thought she might’ve raced fresh, she did at Flemington for us first time.

“Mick (Dee, jockey) was keen to get cover and she switched off lovely, which was good going forward because we feel she’ll get out to a good trip.”

Trialling well in the lead-up to her competitive debut for Kiwi trainer Jason Price earlier this year, Aloisia immediately stamped herself as a filly to follow when finishing a credible fifth in the Bay Ford/Frasertown Tavern 2YO Plate (1200m) at Wairoa on February 26th.

Finishing four lengths off Belle Du Nord in the Richardson Racing 2YO Plate (1200m) in what was her final appearance in New Zealand on March 18th, Aloisia beat a handy field to the line in a Cranbourne 800m barrier trial on May 8th.

Mustering an impressive turn of foot in the final straight at Flemington to win the Saintly Hall Of Fame Trophy (1400m) at her first Australian appearance on May 20th, the Azamour filly flew home to finish a close second in the Group 1 JJ Atkins (1600m) on June 10th.

Aloisia remains tied on the top line of Crown Oaks betting markets at Ladbrokes.com.au, alongside Anchor Bid at a generous $9 quote.

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Jared Timms

Jared graduated with a journalism degree in 2011. He is a keen sports fan and has enjoyed many accolades for his lively writing style and comprehensive coverage of major sporting events and horse racing. Today, you can find Jared cheering on his beloved Manchester City with a beer in hand.