Trainer Matthew Smith is eager to see how Idle Flyer measures up against some of the country’s best horses as she launches her spring campaign in the Winx Stakes at Randwick, with the Cox Plate identified as a potential goal.
After a commanding victory in the Group 1 Queen Of The Turf Stakes (1600m) during the autumn, Idle Flyer is set for her most challenging encounter yet, facing rivals including Autumn Glow, Aeliana, Sheza Alibi, and Ceolwulf on Saturday.
Smith acknowledges that an upset might be unlikely but hopes Idle Flyer can compete effectively and build a solid foundation for her season.
“She’s not going to beat those horses in a 1400 metre race, so it’s really a starting point for her,” Smith stated. “She’ll just get better and better into her preparation once she gets to a mile and beyond. But I’m really keen to see where she fits in. She’s had a trouble-free ‘prep’ leading into the run. Her fitness is good, and she handles a wet track, so she’ll run really well.”
Idle Flyer, a five-year-old mare with a relatively light racing load, has accumulated eight wins from 15 starts and has shown continuous improvement over her preparations.
She successfully transitioned to black-type racing a year ago by winning the Group 3 Angst Stakes (1600m), and further enhanced her credentials in the autumn by winning the Group 2 Emancipation Stakes (1500m) before capturing her first Group 1 success.
Smith believes her best performances are still in the future, and her planned third-up appearance in the 7 Stakes (1600m) at Randwick on September 19 will be a critical factor in determining the rest of her spring schedule.
“That will be a fork in the road for us. We’ll either go to the Cox Plate or back the other way,” Smith commented. “We don’t know where the ceiling is. That Queen Of The Turf win was really good. That’s the first time we’ve really stepped her out to a proper race, and she was great, so fingers crossed she can keep going.”
Idle Flyer will represent one half of Smith’s stakes runners at Randwick, with Prima Bella also competing in the Toy Show Quality (1100m).
Prima Bella is aiming for a third consecutive win. While the Group 3 race on Saturday is a significant step up in competition, she is currently the third favourite in the early markets at $4.80, behind the leading chances Apocalyptic ($2.25 fav) and Savvy Hallie ($3.80).
“I thought, if she won the other day you’ve got to have a crack at a mares’ race,” Smith said. “It might be too tough for her, but she’s going well. She’s race fit. She’s ready, and she’ll roll forward. If she can run top four, I’ll be delighted.”
The Winx Stakes presents a fascinating contest for Idle Flyer, with punters keen to assess the racing odds.
