Robbie Griffiths has re-routed Girl In Flight to the Adelaide carnival starting with the G3 Schweppervescence Stakes (1800m) at Morphettville this Saturday.
The Yarradale Stud homebred is coming off a close-up third in the LR Alexandra Stakes (1600m) at Moonee Valley a fortnight ago. "She has trained on terrific and galloped beautifully on Saturday morning,” Griffiths said. “But there is a question mark about how strong she will be beyond a mile.”
Griffiths was considering a campaign heading towards the G1 ATC Oaks (2400m) in Sydney before switching tack towards the G1 Australasian Oaks (2000m) in Adelaide on April 26. "It makes more sense to stick to a more familiar journey,” he explained. “And, on top of that, it's the same direction."
Girl In Flight (3f Commands – Rossiya by Machiavellian) finished less than a length behind Marianne and Suavito at Moonee Valley on March 21. Fourth home Solicit franked the form with front-running second in the G1 Vinery Stakes at Rosehill last Saturday.
Yarradale owner Ron Sayers races the grey filly with Bob Baumann, Andrew Doyle, Frank Giacco, Janice Thomas and Belinda Emons. She started her career with wins at Pakenham, Sale and Caulfield prior to black-type placings in the G3 Vanity Stakes at Flemington and the LR Alexandra Stakes.
“She has a fantastic pedigree and a lovely temperament,” Griffiths said. “The Australasian Oaks will be ideal.”
GIRL IN FLIGHT
Yarradale filly (rails) finishes third in the Alexandra Stakes behind Marianne (centre) and Suavito