Fancify chasing more Flemington glory in Frances Tressady Stakes
Trainer Michael Hickmott is eager to build upon the impressive track record of Fancify as she prepares to compete in a Stakes event at Flemington.
With seven victories from 14 career starts, Fancify has established a strong affinity with Flemington, boasting two wins and a runner-up finish in her three appearances at the venue.
She is set to contest the Group 3 Frances Tressady Stakes (1400m) this Saturday, aiming to secure her third win over the distance.
Last June, she clinched victory at this track and trip before leading all the way to claim the Group 3 HKJC Stakes on Melbourne Cup Day.
“She seems to enjoy the track and it’s probably clearly her pet distance and we’re very happy with the race that we’ve found,” Hickmott said.
Jockey Todd Pannell will travel from Adelaide to take the reins on Saturday, replacing Joe Bowditch, who guided Fancify to victories at Murray Bridge and Flemington last year. Bowditch was also aboard when she finished second in her season return at Sandown on February 1.
“Todd and Jessica (Tzaferis) ride most of my horses over here and he has done a lot of work on the horse in the background,” Hickmott said.
“Unfortunately, in the last preparation she got 54 kilos on Murray Bridge Cup Day and 55 kilos on Melbourne Cup Day when she won those two races.
“Todd and I discussed it, and as Joe was over here riding for me that day, he held the ride.
“Joe certainly hasn’t been taken off and if she doesn’t happen to get Todd’s weight again, Joe will go back on her.”
Hickmott admitted that due to South Australia's trial schedule, he was unable to achieve peak fitness for Fancify before her first-up outing.
Nonetheless, he noted significant progress since her second-place finish to She’s Bulletproof at Sandown.
“I know she has a lot of improvement left in her just with the trial schedule over here as we weren’t able to get an official trial into her and she went into the race not wound up,” Hickmott said.
“This race, or the Mannerism Stakes at Caulfield next week, were always going to be her target, so I decided to run in this rather than wait for the Mannerism.”
Beyond this weekend, Hickmott is yet to determine Fancify’s next move.
Although her ideal distance is 1400m, he is uncertain whether she would suit the shorter 1200m trip of the Group 1 Sangster Stakes in April.
“I just want to get through Saturday,” Hickmott said.
“I would love to find 1400-metre race while her rating is around that 100 range and I think finding a nice 1400-metre handicap would be ideal.”
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