Mollie Fitzgerald set for big stage in The Shorts

Apprentice jockey Mollie Fitzgerald is counting down the days until Saturday, when she will ride in her first Group race aboard the talented mare Flying For Fun in the lucrative $1 million Shorts at Randwick.

The 24-year-old rider, indentured to trainers Annabel and Rob Archibald, has had three rides in Listed races but is thrilled that trainer Bryce Heys has entrusted her with the mount on his dual stakes victor in a race that has become a significant pathway to The Everest.

"It's an awesome opportunity. A very 'pinch myself' moment," Fitzgerald said.

"She's a beautiful mare. I've had the benefit of riding her in a trial, but it's so exciting. It's what you dream of, to be in these races, so I'm really looking forward to it."

Flying For Fun, a daughter of Heys' former sprinter Spieth, claimed the Starlight Stakes (1100m) in November and then proved her quality with a win in the Maurice McCarten Stakes (1100m) in March.

She subsequently had two unlucky Group 1 runs in Adelaide, finishing strongly to just miss in a tight finish in the Robert Sangster Stakes (1200m) and was unable to be fully tested when held up behind runners in the Goodwood (1200m).

The mare performs well fresh. While the outside draw of 12 poses a challenge against rivals such as Joliestar, Headwall, and Everest slot holder Ninja, Flying For Fun has shown good form in two recent lead-up trials, the first with Fitzgerald on board.

"It was her first trial and she wasn't asked to do much, but I had a lot of horse underneath me," Fitzgerald stated.

"James (McDonald) trialled her at her second trial and he was pretty happy with her as well. You can feel the difference being on those quality horses.

"She's a model of consistency. She tries very hard, and she loves her racing. Towards the end of her last prep, she was ridden a bit more quietly and you do need luck from back there, but she has raced in good races and been honest."

Fitzgerald's booking for Flying For Fun is a temporary arrangement, but she is making the most of it and hopes it may lead to further opportunities.

"It's just an awesome opportunity. Hopefully everything goes right on Saturday, and we'll see what comes of it," she expressed.

Fitzgerald also has a ride on the Luke Pepper-trained Brave Xena in the Highway Handicap (1000m) at Randwick, reuniting with the mare after guiding her to a victory in a similar race over the summer.

"There's not much of her, but she's beautiful," Fitzgerald commented.

"I won a Highway on her, and she's honest, so I'm looking forward to getting back on her. She's got a tricky draw (barrier 12), but she's probably good enough to overcome that."

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