Mischa with chance at third-straight win

Having put together two-straight wins this preparation, the Symon Wilde-trained Mischa will be out to continue her progression when she returns to Moonee Valley.

The filly takes on the males in a small field in Saturday’s Santa’s Workshop @ The Valley Handicap, a 1200m benchmark-70 for three-year-olds.

Connections opted for that race over a 1200m-fillies race on the program at the same grade.

Mischa raced three times without winning as a juvenile but has returned as a three-year-old with a maiden win at Stawell and a city win last Friday night at Moonee Valley.

The filly burst between runners in the straight in a 1000m benchmark-64 race and drew clear to score by 2-1/4-lengths.

Wilde said the filly appeared to have come through that run well.

“It’s an eight-day back-up at the same course and I just think it’s a nice little progression for her,” Wilde said.

“She actually won quite nicely last week and I think 1200 metres will be perfect.

“She’s done really well and I reckon it’s just the next logical step for her.

“She gets a bit of weight relief being a filly and she just seems to be going the right way.”