Idle Flyer's Spring Carnival Path Tested in Winx Stakes

Trainer Matthew Smith is keen to assess Idle Flyer's capabilities against top competition as she begins her spring campaign in the Winx Stakes at Randwick, with the Cox Plate looming as a potential target.

After a dominant performance in the Group 1 Queen Of The Turf Stakes (1600m) in the autumn, Idle Flyer faces her sternest challenge yet, going head-to-head with prominent horses such as Autumn Glow, Aeliana, Sheza Alibi, and Ceolwulf this Saturday.

Smith is not expecting Idle Flyer to cause an upset but is hopeful she can perform creditably and set a strong foundation for her campaign.

"She's not going to beat those horses in a 1400 metre race, so it's really a starting point for her," Smith said. "She'll just get better and better into her preparation once she gets to a mile and beyond. But I'm really keen to see where she fits in. She's had a trouble-free 'prep' leading into the run. Her fitness is good, and she handles a wet track, so she'll run really well."

Idle Flyer, with only 15 starts to her name as a five-year-old, has secured eight victories and has demonstrated consistent improvement throughout her career.

Her rise to black-type success began 12 months prior with a win in the Group 3 Angst Stakes (1600m), a performance she built upon in the autumn to win the Group 2 Emancipation Stakes (1500m) before clinching her first Group 1 title.

Smith believes the mare's peak is yet to be reached, and her intended third-up start in the 7 Stakes (1600m) at Randwick on September 19 will be a critical juncture in planning the remainder of her spring engagements.

"That will be a fork in the road for us. We'll either go to the Cox Plate or back the other way," Smith commented. "We don't know where the ceiling is. That Queen Of The Turf win was really good. That's the first time we've really stepped her out to a proper race, and she was great, so fingers crossed she can keep going."

Alongside Idle Flyer, Smith will also saddle Prima Bella in the Toy Show Quality (1100m), making it two stakes runners for the stable at Randwick.

Prima Bella is seeking her third consecutive win. Despite the considerable step up in class for Saturday's Group 3 race, she is listed as the third favourite in early betting at $4.80, behind the leading contenders Apocalyptic ($2.25 fav) and Savvy Hallie ($3.80).

"I thought, if she won the other day you've got to have a crack at a mares' race," Smith added. "It might be too tough for her, but she's going well. She's race fit. She's ready, and she'll roll forward. If she can run top four, I'll be delighted."

Those tracking the racing betting markets will be watching closely to see how Idle Flyer performs.