South Australian trainer Daniel Clarken has fired a warning shot to rivals l

South Australian trainer Daniel Clarken has fired a warning shot to rivals looking to tackle his gun filly Miracles Of Life in the upcoming spring, reports Racing Victoria.

“She certainly hasn’t gone backwards so watch out Melbourne,” Clarken said.

Clarken said the Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes-winner had returned from her spell in terrific order and yesterday stepped out of the paddock for the first time since February’s win in Victoria’s premier juvenile race. 

He said the daughter of Not A Single Doubt has thrived during her break and while he hasn’t placed her on the scales yet, he has little doubt she has muscled up since her fairytale summer rampage.

“She came in out of the paddock yesterday and she looks absolutely sensational, she spelled really well,” Clarken said.

“This time of year they generally come back with a bit of a coat but she looks super.

“I haven’t run her over the scales yet, I’ll do that tomorrow, but she’s certainly looks like she’s grown.

“She just looks a treat, she’s nice and strong and she’s got that good muscle on her.”

Unbeaten in four career starts, Miracles Of Life provided the feel good story of the Melbourne Festival of Racing, progressing from a two-year old handicap at Morphettville in December to win in the $1 million Patinack Farm Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield.

The victory provided Clarken and mature-age apprentice Lauren Stojakovic with the greatest win of their respective careers and the trainer is hoping Miracles Of Life, who is expected to kick-off her campaign in August, can again measure up to Group 1 company in the spring.

While Clarken admitted the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes (3YO, 1200m) on the opening day of Flemington’s Melbourne Cup Carnival looked a tantalising option, he said he would let the filly determine her own spring path.

“I would say that we’ll see her back on the track in mid-August, maybe late-August,” Clarken said.

“It’ll nice to get back over there (Melbourne) and mix it with them again because it was certainly a great thrill for me and it was a big thrill for Lauren (Stojakovic).

“The Coolmore (Stud Stakes, Flemington, Derby Day) would definitely be on our radar but that’s certainly later in the Carnival.

“We’re going to let her find her own depth the same way we did heading towards the Blue Diamond.”