Gold Coast trainer Trevor Whittington's surprise decision to start Femina Fashion at Doomben won't stand in the way of a possible Sydney trip next week for the Group One Flight Stakes at Randwick.Whittington initially planned to start Femina Fashion in Saturday's Listed Reginald Allen Quality (1400m) at Randwick following her gutsy all-the-way victory over 1200 metres at Eagle Farm on September 12.The daughter of Shamardal was nominated for the fillies' feature but Whittington preferred to stay

Gold Coast trainer Trevor Whittington's surprise decision to start Femina Fashion at Doomben won't stand in the way of a possible Sydney trip next week for the Group One Flight Stakes at Randwick.

Whittington initially planned to start Femina Fashion in Saturday's Listed Reginald Allen Quality (1400m) at Randwick following her gutsy all-the-way victory over 1200 metres at Eagle Farm on September 12.

The daughter of Shamardal was nominated for the fillies' feature but Whittington preferred to stay at home and run her in the Strawberry Hill Stud Handicap (1350m) at Doomben.

"I gave serious thought about going to Sydney for the Reginald Allen but I didn't want to take her down for a second-up run in Sydney," Whittington said.

"If she wins at Doomben she'll still go down for the Flight Stakes."

Larry Cassidy, who won on the filly last start, will again partner Femina Fashion but won't ride her in the Flight Stakes if she earns a trip away.

Cassidy has declined a number of offers to ride in Sydney this spring including the mount on Burdekin Blues who makes his comeback at Doomben following a long injury layoff.

Cassidy wants to stay in Brisbane to concentrate on winning his first Brisbane jockeys' premiership.

"Glen Colless will get the first refusal to ride her next week if she goes down for the Flight Stakes," Whittington said.

"He was prepared to travel to Sydney to ride her this week had she gone but he got suspended."

Whittington has a big opinion of Femina Fashion and ultimately has his sights on next year's Brisbane winter carnival.

"She gives every impression she'll stay and she's bred to get over ground," he said.

"I think she'll develop into a Queensland Oaks filly next year.

"What she's doing now is a bonus as she's still growing."

Femina Fashion, who cost only $35,000 as a yearling, will miss the Melbourne spring to be reserved for next year's Magic Millions Trophy (1400m) on her home track following her current campaign.

"She's a Magic Millions filly and she'll go straight to the paddock and won't go on to Melbourne after the Flight Stakes, if she gets there," Whittington said.

Whittington was disappointed when Femina Fashion received 57.5 kilograms for her Doomben assignment.

"She's been hit hard by the handicappers," he said.

"She's been penalised 4.5 kilos for winning last time and I think that's a bit harsh."

Whittington said he would have preferred a claiming apprentice on Femina Fashion but her owners had the final say.