Femminile To Be Ridden By Shinn

Top Aussie hoop to partner trainer Stokes' SA Derby winner in Group 1 Queensland Derby

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BRISBANE - Trainer Phillip Stokes is doing everything in his power to ensure Group 1 winner Femminile gets the best chances in the A$1 million (S$832,000) Group 1 Queensland Derby at Eagle Farm on May 31.

The Pakenham trainer has engaged one of Australia's top hoops to take the reins on Femminile and he has received a commitment from Blake Shinn to ride the three-year-old daughter of Dundeel.

The 2,400-metre event will be run four days after the recent winner of the Group 1 South Australian Derby (2,500m) is offered for the sale at the Magic Millions National Broodmare sale on May 27.

Stokes said the bay filly, who will trial at Pakenham on May 20, presents a great opportunity for prospective buyers.

"She's going through the sale a few days before, so the new buyers can have a runner in the Derby," said Stokes.

"She'll have a reverse trial on Tuesday and then go up at the end of the week. She seems well."

Femminile became the second filly in a row to upstage the boys in the South Australian Derby on May 3, after Coco Sun won the Adelaide classic in 2024.

Femminile was then ridden by Lachlan Neindorf, who carried the OTI Racing colours to victory at Morphettville.