Concerns over a drying Randwick surface had Joe Pride slightly uneasy heading into Saturday, but his talented mare In Flight put those fears to rest with a strong victory in the Listed Bob Charley AO Stakes (1100m).

The meeting opened on a heavy 8 track before an upgrade to a soft 7 was announced following the second race, a development that wasn’t ideal for In Flight, who boasts a strong record on genuinely rain-affected ground.

“When this track started drying out, I was a little bit concerned as the best version of this mare is on really wet tracks,” Pride admitted.

“But the times they are running today aren’t too slow at all.

“So, to come back from winning on a heavy track in Brisbane and get the job done is a very good effort.”

Backing up her Listed Bright Shadow Stakes win in Brisbane, In Flight has now made it two black-type successes in a row, further stamping herself as a mare on the rise.

“She is up at the right time of year and we will see how she pulls before making any more plans but she is doing a great job,” Pride said.

“I love her. I wouldn’t say she is a sweet thing, she can be a bit of a tart. But she has all the attributes a good mare needs.”

Jay Ford, who was aboard the $2.35 bookmakers elect, praised her effort in the run to the line after she wore down Brudenell ($21) with Contemporary ($12) finishing third.

“This preparation she just feels like she is on song,” Ford said.

“It’s easy to say now but she has two stakes wins to her name and is just oozing confidence.”

Meanwhile, Ash Morgan capped a memorable day with a city treble, guiding Hidden Motive, Hellfire Express and Millie De Lune to victory.

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