Apprentice jockey Mollie Fitzgerald is eagerly anticipating Saturday, her first taste of Group race competition aboard the capable mare Flying For Fun in the prestigious $1 million Shorts at Randwick.
The 24-year-old, currently indentured to trainers Annabel and Rob Archibald, has previously competed in three Listed races but is delighted that trainer Bryce Heys has placed his faith in her to ride his two-time stakes winner in a significant race that serves as a crucial audition for The Everest.
“It’s an awesome opportunity. A very ‘pinch myself’ moment,” Fitzgerald shared.
“She’s a beautiful mare. I’ve had the benefit of riding her in a trial, but it’s so exciting. It’s what you dream of, to be in these races, so I’m really looking forward to it.”
A progeny of Heys’ former standout sprinter Spieth, Flying For Fun secured victory in the Starlight Stakes (1100m) back in November before demonstrating her class with a win in the Maurice McCarten Stakes (1100m) upon her return in March.
Her subsequent performances in Adelaide saw a pair of unfortunate Group 1 placings, where she finished strongly to narrowly miss out in a tight four-way finish in the Robert Sangster Stakes (1200m), and was later unable to get a clear run in the Goodwood (1200m), finishing midfield.
She boasts a solid fresh record, and while the wide barrier 12 presents a challenge against notable contenders like Joliestar, Headwall, and Everest slot holder Ninja, Flying For Fun has displayed good form in two recent trials, with Fitzgerald aboard for the first.
“It was her first trial and she wasn’t asked to do much, but I had a lot of horse underneath me,” Fitzgerald remarked.
“James (McDonald) trialled her at her second trial and he was pretty happy with her as well. You can feel the difference being on those quality horses.
“She’s a model of consistency. She tries very hard, and she loves her racing. Towards the end of her last prep, she was ridden a bit more quietly and you do need luck from back there, but she has raced in good races and been honest.”
Fitzgerald’s engagement on Flying For Fun is a temporary arrangement for now, but she is embracing the chance and hopes it will create future opportunities.
“It’s just an awesome opportunity. Hopefully everything goes right on Saturday, and we’ll see what comes of it,” she stated.
Fitzgerald’s schedule at Randwick also includes the Luke Pepper-trained Brave Xena in the Highway Handicap (1000m). She is looking forward to partnering the horse again after guiding her to a win in a similar race during the summer.
“There’s not much of her, but she’s beautiful,” Fitzgerald commented.
“I won a Highway on her, and she’s honest, so I’m looking forward to getting back on her. She’s got a tricky draw (barrier 12), but she’s probably good enough to overcome that.”
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