Jason Collett is looking forward to getting a better guide on the ability of Godolphin filly In Flanders when she strikes a firm track for the first time at Randwick.
Fifth on soft ground at her debut in the Gimcrack Stakes in October, In Flanders was a well beaten second to reigning Golden Slipper favourite Cellsabeel last start when Collett said she was not entirely comfortable on the heavy surface.
The filly gets a good track for Saturday’s Group Three Widden Stakes (1100m) and Collett expects it to be more to her liking.
“She got through it (wet) OK but I think she will be better on top of the ground,” Collett said.
“She tried very hard in it but I don’t know that she was completely at home in it.”
In Flanders finished six lengths in arrears of Cellsabeel but Collett found several positives.
Despite struggling on the wet track, the youngster dug deep to reel in her James Cummings-trained stablemate Beyliks and grab second.
“The stablemate was probably stopping a bit, but I said to James I did like that she got up for second,” Collett said.
“She had to be tough to do that because she wasn’t at home on the track.
“I’ll get a better idea tomorrow where she’s at. She’s got quite a bit of brilliance but she just needs harnessing.”
In Flanders has just four Widden Stakes rivals, headed by Magic Millions Classic winner Away Game, while six colts tackle the Group Three Canonbury Stakes (1100m).
The latter marks the return of Chris Waller-trained Breeders’ Plate winner Global Quest while Cummings will saddle up Victory Vein Stakes placegetter Gravina with Rachel King to ride.
Gravina is resuming after finishing midfield to Dame Giselle in the Golden Gift and Cummings has warned punters not to underestimate the colt.
“He was off the track all the way last start after a good effort first time out,” Cummings said.
“On what he’s shown he could be capable of challenging the favourites here.”
The last horse to win the Canonbury Stakes en route to the Golden Slipper was Vancouver four years ago while Mossfun claimed the Widden Stakes-Slipper double a year earlier.
Credit: AAP