Improvise not likely to tackle Oaks

GOLD Coast-based filly Improvise is unlikely to take the traditional Princess Stakes winner’s path to the Queensland Oaks.

The Chris Waller-trained three-year-old won the Listed Princess Stakes (1600m) at the Sunshine Coast on Saturday but it’s doubtful she will progress to the Group 1 Oaks (2200m) at Doomben on May 26.

The Princess Stakes is traditionally the first stepping stone for Oaks-bound fillies.

“She got beaten at Doomben last start but that was at 2000m and she was back to 1600m (on Saturday),” Waller’s Gold Coast stable foreman Paul Shailer said.

“I think she is unlikely at this stage to head to the Oaks because I don’t think she will stay.

“Chris might prove me wrong but at this stage she will be aimed at the shorter stakes races in the winter.”

Murwillumbah trainer Matt Dunn said La Scopa, who finished a short-neck second to Improvise, would press on with the Oaks in mind.

“I haven’t really trained her to be a stayer but she races like one,” Dunn said.