Yarradale Stud’s grey filly Girl In Flight is well named – because she flies!
Impressive enough saluting by two lengths at her Pakenham debut in October, the exciting three-year-old created an even bigger impression making it two from two in the Bundaberg Rum Hcp (1400m) at Sale on Wednesday.
Rising in class, weight and distance, the Robbie Griffiths trained filly was eased back off an early speed battle by in-form jockey Ryan Maloney. Once allowed some rein in the straight, she dashed clear for a soft two length victory.
“She could not have been more impressive,” Maloney said. “The amount of improvement between Pakenham and today was unbelievable. This was a good test. The field looked a strong one on paper and she came through with flying colours.
“There’s plenty of scope for improvement. She still has no idea what it’s all about and, when the penny drops, she will be a serious horse.”
Stable foreman Reid Balfour said Girl In Flight had shown improvement every time she stepped for a trial or race. “We have been taking small steps to let her get some experience,” he explained. “She has handled wet and dry tracks which is good to know for the future. And she relaxes well in her races which is fantastic.
“Looking ahead, there might be a nice race for her at the Adelaide carnival in May.”
Girl In Flight (3f Commands – Rossiya by Machiavellian) changed hands for $60,000 at the 2012 Inglis Melbourne Premier Sale. Yarradale owner Ron Sayers kept a share and stable clients Bob Baumann, Andrew Doyle, Frank Giacco, Janice Thomas and Belinda Emons filled out the partnership.
She is a younger sister to Medvedev who has won races in Victoria and NSW for Peter Moody. Their dam Rossiya has a 2yo Musket colt named Kostyazilch and the mare has been covered by Patronize this year.
Wednesday’s victory came a day after Musket filly Chili Dipper scored on debut at Taree. The Adam Duggan trained galloper led at every panel to post a comfortable victory in the New Sponsors Welcome Plate (1007m).
Chili Dipper (3f Musket – Miss Hostie by Filante) is from a family that has been very successful for the Denham family. Her second-dam Fickle Hostess (Lunchtime) won a G2 Magic Night Stakes for Jack Denham and he also prepped third-dam Vaindarra to a G2 victory in the Silver Slipper.
Yarradale stands Musket (Redoute’s Choice) for an $8,800 (inc gst) service fee.