Idle Flyer looks to regain form in Randwick's Seven Stakes
A demanding first-up effort has taken its toll on Idle Flyer, who was defeated as the favourite last start. The mare is now aiming to get her spring campaign back on track at Randwick.
While she's not expected to challenge the overwhelming favourite Autumn Glow in The 7 Stakes (1600m), jockey Zac Lloyd is seeking an improved showing. Idle Flyer didn't display her usual zest when finishing fourth in the Tramway Stakes (1400m).
This performance followed a solid return behind the benchmark mare in the Winx Stakes (1400m), a race noted for its demanding tempo which unsettled many runners.
"I honestly think she just had a bad day," Lloyd commented about Idle Flyer's showing in the Tramway Stakes.
"She had a hard first-up run off a really solid tempo in a Group One and a two-week back-up.
"I was a bit worried going to the gates because she didn't feel like her normal self. She was a bit flat cantering to the gates. But in saying that, they didn't go hard the other day so although she got beaten, she had a much easier day out.
"Hopefully she can bounce back to a bit better form."
As of Friday, Autumn Glow was priced at $1.15, with Idle Flyer the outsider in the five-horse field at $23.
Lloyd acknowledged the difficulty in finding fault with the favourite's credentials. He isn't anticipating a surprise result, but rather hopes Idle Flyer can finish strongly to position herself for a more suitable target later in the spring.
"She's very hard to ride against because she does everything so right. She jumps well, she puts herself in a winnable position," Lloyd said of Autumn Glow.
"I think Idle Flyer, we'll be riding a bit cold on the weekend and then see if she can step up to the better races.
"If I can get on the back of Autumn Glow and then get as close as I can up the straight, that will be my goal."
The 7 Stakes (1600m) is considered a vital stepping stone for Idle Flyer, with trainer Matthew Smith keeping the Cox Plate (2000m) in mind as a potential objective.
The mare has not yet raced beyond 1600 metres, and Lloyd's feedback from Saturday's race will be crucial for Smith's decision on whether to extend her distance capabilities this campaign.
The promising young jockey is also set to ride Headwall for Smith in The Shorts (1100m). He expressed confidence that the seven-year-old gelding is capable of replicating his impressive second place in the Concorde Stakes (1000m) when returning from a 12-month break.
"It was good for him to show people that he's had a year off, but he's come back even better," Lloyd shared. "He's only lightly raced. He's a horse who gets back and he's going to need a bit of luck, a bit of pace on. But he's ready to go again."
Considering the competitive nature of the race, exploring online bookmakers for the best racing odds is a wise move.
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