Matthew Smith has outlined a strategy for the promising four-year-old mare Idle Flyer, aiming ultimately for success at Group One level.
The Dundeel filly is scheduled to return in the Group 3 Wenona Girl Quality (1200m) at Randwick on Saturday, eyeing the Group 1 Queen Of The Turf Stakes (1600m) as her key objective.
Successful in Group Three company during the spring, Idle Flyer attracted strong support in the Group 1 Empire Rose Stakes (1600m) at Flemington, starting as the $3.60 favourite before fading to last behind Pride Of Jenni.
Smith expressed satisfaction with Idle Flyer’s lead-up, noting two trials under her belt, and views Saturday as an ideal launch for the preparation, with Zac Lloyd in the saddle.
“She’s going great,” Smith said.
“I can’t fault her, her work has been really good. I’m expecting her to run really well, mindful that there’s a few sharper ones in there over that distance but I think she’ll be hitting the line strong late.”
“That will set her up nicely to go to 1500 metres second up in the Emancipation on the 28th of March, then the Queen Of The Turf.”
Long showing potential, Smith noted that Idle Flyer’s previous campaign marked her maturation, securing two solid benchmark wins prior to a commanding triumph in the Group 3 Angst Stakes (1600m), which led into the Empire Rose.
“We liked her but she was quite immature the prep before, so when she came back and won first up, we thought well, we’re in business,” Smith said.
“Her work leading into that group win at Randwick had gone to another level, and her work going into Melbourne was outstanding.”
“She never really got comfortable, she’d just been out of her comfort zone in Melbourne all the way.”
Although Smith believes the Queen Of The Turf suits Idle Flyer perfectly, he acknowledges the potential challenge from undefeated star Autumn Glow, whose plans post-George Ryder Stakes remain undecided.
“If Autumn Glow doesn’t go there I reckon we’re a great chance,” Smith said.
“We won’t be drilling her on Saturday, just comfortable and make sure she hits the line strong and hopefully runs top three and then go to the Emancipation, same thing and then to the mile cherry ripe.”
Idle Flyer sits at $3.60 as the second favourite for the Wenona Girl Quality behind Gangsta Granny at $2.80 on Saturday, and $15 for the Queen Of The Turf Stakes.
Explore the Australian betting sites for top odds in the Wenona Girl Quality.