Alexander makes Vivy Air call

Archie Alexander will likely keep talented three-year-old Vivy Air in Victoria this week for the Group 3 Alexandra Stakes, bypassing a trip to Adelaide - for now.

The twice G2-placed filly was an eye-catcher first-up at Flemington earlier this month, repeatedly cut off in the straight before flying home when clear and finishing less than half a length behind the smart Peter Moody and Katherine Coleman-trained Legacies.

Eyeing a rise to 1600 metres, Alexander accepted Vivy Air for both the Alexandra Stakes at Moonee Valley and the Listed Claire Lindop Stakes at Morphettville on Saturday.

But with the campaign's ultimate goal being April's G1 Australasian Oaks, the Ballarat-based trainer is leaning towards keeping the daughter of Hellbent in Victoria, looking to avoid too many long road trips.

"We're most likely going to stay here, that's the plan at this stage," Alexander said.

"We're aiming to take her to South Australia for the Oaks, so going this weekend is just another trip away, if we do decide to go down that route."

Vivy Air is a $5 chance in a strong field on Saturday, headed by Moody and Coleman's Mollynickers at $2.45, although Mollynickers and a few other fillies are also dual acceptors for the same two events.

And having drawn much better at The Valley (eight) than Morphettville (13), Alexander is more than happy to save all involved an eight-hour trip west and back.

"It looks like a nice gate (eight) for her to get out, build momentum and run a nice race," Alexander said.

"Obviously she was unlucky last start, we're happy with her, it's only been two weeks between runs, so we're happy to stay here."

As visually pleasing as Vivy Air's fresh run was, Alexander was not too surprised by her powerful finish, which ranked as the quickest last 200m split of the meeting (11.25 seconds).

But this is not to understate her effort, instead showing the faith he has in his gutsy filly, who the stable is hoping can bring home their first G1 honour.

Should things go well this weekend, Alexander will aim to cross the SA border for the G3 Auraria Stakes on April 13th, leaving two weeks to the Oaks.

"It was a pleasant surprise, but we weren't overly shocked. She's a good filly and it's always nice when they run like that," he said.

"She trialled up very well and we know she's a good horse, she ran second in a Group 2 last time in.

"We'll look to go to 1800m next time, in the Auraria Stakes, as a lead-in to the Oaks, but if we went to Adelaide this week, we'd probably have to arrange something else for her.

"So that's the plan, and we're happy to keep her here for Saturday."