Joe Pride’s plan to find soft tracks for his talented sprinter In Flight recently saw him head north to Queensland, but this week the conditions he’s been seeking have landed in his own backyard.
The mare is set to contest the Listed Bob Charley AO Stakes (1100m) at Randwick on Saturday, where the track has been rated a heavy 9—perfect ground for a proven mudlark like her.
“We didn’t even have to chase the wet track, it came to us,” Pride said.
“She is such a nice mare and just a really good wet tracker and she will get that again on Saturday.”
In Flight has amassed a strong race resume, winning six races and placing in five others from her 16 starts to date.
All six of her wins have come on rain-affected tracks, most notably when she claimed black-type honours in the Listed Bright Shadow Stakes (1110m) at Doomben last month, powering through the heavy going.
She had finished second to stablemate Dragonstone in the Hawkesbury Gold Rush (1100m) in the run prior, which highlights her ability to handle both class and tough conditions. Returning to open company from fillies and mares grade poses no concern for her camp.
“She is a tough little mare,” Pride said.
“I do feel she is still on the way up. She’s got the right balance of being a tart but is still able to focus when she has to. She is a lovely horse to work with.
“She has come back really well and she will be hard to beat.”
Tanglewood has been withdrawn from the Bob Charley Stakes, reducing the field to 14. Among the current acceptors are dual-entered stars Front Page, a two-time Kosciuszko winner, and Takeover Target Stakes winner Barber, both also nominated for the Group 2 Moreton Cup (1200m) at Eagle Farm.
If you’re planning to have a punt on the Bob Charley AO Stakes or follow wet-track specialist In Flight, check out Australia’s top betting sites for the best racing odds, betting apps, and latest promotions.