Ten months ago, the Mick Price-trained Secret Agenda claimed the prized scalp of Viddora in the Group 1 Robert Sangster Stakes at Morphettville before finishing fourth in the Group 1 Goodwood Stakes.
The daughter of Not A Single Doubt made a belated seasonal debut, as a result of a tendon injury, in Saturday's Listed ATA Bob Hoysted Handicap (1000m) at Flemington under Damien Oliver and came out on top with a determined short-head victory over Tasmanian visitor I'm Wesley (I Am Invincible) with Crystal Dreamer (Stratum) another length away third.
It advances the overall record of Secret Agenda to 7 wins and 4 seconds from 19 starts with earnings of 1,369,400.
"I had an idea of running her first-up in the Newmarket and Damien said it can be a burial ground for them, especially a mare like her that requires a bit of TLC," Price said.
"You can't overdo it with her and he suggested we run in this race today. He's one of the few jockeys I will listen to - he's always got his calendar out for what suits him and what suits you."
"This today will set her up perfectly for the William Reid Stakes in 13 days.
"She's been fit for a while and she's obviously a very good mare.
"We'll run in the William Reid then off to Sydney before she defends her Swettenham Stud title in May."
Bred by Arrowfield Pastoral Pty Ltd, Planette Thoroughbred and Belford Productions, Secret Agenda was consigned by Arrowfield to the 2014 Magic Million Gold Coast Yearling sale where she made $120,000 to the bid of Blueblood Thoroughbreds.
A half-sister to the stakes-placed Sweetener (Snitzel) and the good Sydney and Melbourne winner Chivvy (Flying Spur), Secret Agenda is the fifth foal of the unraced Red Ransom mare Negotiate.
A half-sister to the Listed winner Fleet (Dehere), Negotiate is out of the top-class Marauding mare Euphoria whose three wins included the Group 1 AJC Champagne Stakes.
This is the famous Denise's Joy family of Thorn Park, Joie Denise, Bentley Biscuit, Tuesday Joy, Sunday Joy and More Joyous.
Negotiate has a yearling colt by Smart Missile and a filly foal by Not A Single Doubt. She was covered by Redoute's Choice last spring.
