Darren Weir’s stable jockey John Allen is pushing for the trainer to split the Group One targets for his star fillies Amphitrite and Verry Elleegant during Melbourne Cup week at Flemington.

The VRC Oaks is the obvious race for both fillies after their last start wins in traditional classic lead-up races but Allen has a different view.

Allen believes G1 Thousand Guineas winner Amphitrite would be better suited staying at 1600 metres and taking on the older mares in the G1 Empire Rose Classic over that trip on November 3 rather than tackle 2500m in the Kennedy Oaks on November 8.

“Hopefully Amphitrite might go to the Classic, I’m trying to convince Darren to run her there,” Allen said.

Allen has a good argument as the 3YO fillies I Am A Star and Shoals have won the last two runnings of the Empire Rose (Myer) Classic. They both finished second in the Thousand Guineas beforehand.

As for distance doubts about Verry Elleegant in the Oaks, Allen is confident the former NZ-trained filly will run a strong 2500m after her late sprint to win the Ethereal Stakes over 2000m at Caulfield last Saturday.

“I don’t think the 2500 metres will be any issue,” said Allen, who does not want to see the filly run again before the Oaks.

“She’s very lightly-framed mare so you might be a bit worried if she had a run prior to the Oaks that just might take it out of her.

“I’m sure Darren and the team will make a decision on that.

“She has a lot of ability, she’s still a bit raw not doing everything right, but has a lot of potential.”

Verry Elleegant Photo by Race Images Photo

Allen said he would be happy to stick with Extra Brut in the Victoria Derby (2500m) on Saturday week despite his disappointing sixth in the Ladbrokes Classic (2000m) won by Sydney colt Thinkin’ Big at Caulfield last Saturday.

“He was definitely a bit disappointing, he’d have liked to be on top of the ground,” Allen said.

“If we can get back on a firmer track he’ll run better."