Heys' Flying For Fun opens account in Group company at Rosehill

Trainer Bryce Heys kicked off at Rosehill but skipped the return of his century of winners when Flying For Fun notched her debut Group victory in the Maurice McCarten Stakes.

Prior to motoring up the highway to Gosford's country meeting for Banjora in the last race, Heys had Mailata run fourth in the Sydney opener.

"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."

Back after capturing the Listed Starlight Stakes (1100m) at Rosehill during November, the $5 chance Flying For Fun wore down brave Mal Coupe ($9) by a long neck, with favourite King's Secret ($4) 1-1/4 lengths back in third.

The knowledge that Heys had schooled Flying For Fun's parents, Spieth and Vol Prive, heightened the delight for Blair.

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

Zac Lloyd, aboard the four-year-old for her sixth ride from 12 career starts, commended her ability to dispatch a solid opposition and noted her evident sharpening since last time out.

"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."

While no concrete autumn targets are locked in by connections, Lloyd pointed to her improved temperament as unlocking versatility.

"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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