Bryce Heys began proceedings at Rosehill, though he missed the moment his 100th victor returned victorious as Flying For Fun claimed her initial Group triumph in the Maurice McCarten Stakes.

Heys prepared fourth-finishing Mailata in Sydney’s first race, then travelled north along the motorway to the Gosford provincial fixture where Banjora lined up in the closing contest.

“He was here and then we tagged in and out,” Heys’ stable representative, Tammy Blair, said.

“He’s gone to Gosford to saddle up Banjora. So he’s there, and I’m here.”

Resuming after success in the Listed Starlight Stakes (1100m) at Rosehill back in November, Flying For Fun ($5) edged out game rival Mal Coupe ($9) by a long neck, while King’s Secret ($4 fav) trailed by a further 1-1/4 lengths for third.

Blair noted that Heys having prepared both Flying For Fun’s sire Spieth and her dam Vol Prive brought extra joy to the achievement.

“We’re very happy. We had mum and dad, so this makes it that little bit special,” she said.

Partnering the four-year-old mare for the sixth occasion across her 12 outings, Zac Lloyd lauded her performance in overcoming a quality lineup and observed marked progress from her previous campaign.

“She’s come back super,” Lloyd said.

“Much more mature and stronger. For her to do that first-up, that was a pretty strong Maurice McCarten Stakes, and she’s done it really nice.”

Team members have no firm autumn blueprint yet, but Lloyd highlighted Flying For Fun’s newfound relaxation as broadening her possibilities.

“I’m sure Bryce will find a good option for her, but she’s so tractable now,” he said.

“She can come from right up on the speed, or just off the speed. It definitely opens a lot of doors.”

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