Rosehill trials to feature star performers like Idle Flyer
A significant barrier trial session at Rosehill will see a host of prominent horses in action, including the Queen Of The Turf Stakes winner Idle Flyer. The Matt Smith-trained mare is utilising these trials to fine-tune her preparations for her upcoming return to racing.
Idle Flyer is set to compete in the first 1000m Group heat on Friday. This event will also include the ATC Australian Derby winner Green Spaces. This trial marks her penultimate hit-out before her official resumption at Randwick on August 22.
According to Smith, the King Charles III Stakes (1600m) is earmarked as the mare's initial target, with potential for a journey south afterward. "She will resume in either the Winx (Stakes) or the Show County (Quality)," Smith shared. "She's going super. "She will probably head towards the King Charles and then to Melbourne for the mares' race, the Empire Rose Stakes."
The mare enjoyed a stellar autumn, clinching the Emancipation Stakes (1500m) and overcoming Lady Shenandoah and Treasurethe Moment in the Queen Of The Turf Stakes (1600m).
Meanwhile, stablemate Headwall will contest a 900m Group trial on Friday. This serves as a stepping stone towards his first-up assault on the Concorde Stakes (1000m) scheduled for September 5.
Headwall emerged victorious in the Concorde Stakes last year but has been sidelined since due to a leg injury. Smith expressed his hope that the sprinter can recapture his best form and put himself in contention for a coveted slot in The Everest (1200m).
"The 1000 metres first-up will be ideal, and then he'll go to The Shorts and we'll see what happens," Smith noted. "Hopefully he can win one of those and we'll get a guernsey in The Everest."
Among the other notable participants in the trials are Group 1 winners Apocalyptic, Lazzura, and Private Eye, alongside the promising stayer Thebudgiesmugla.
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