The Joe Pride-trained IN FLIGHT graduated to Saturday metropolitan company with a thrilling win over the 1100m course at Rosehill.
Jumping from the inside barrier, IN FLIGHT tracked the leaders to the home turn before ducking up the fence over the final furlong, a manoeuvre that proved to be decisive and indicative of rider Jay Ford’s form.
“From the low draw we were able to utilise that gate,” Ford, who finished the meeting with a winning treble, said.
“She took a while to get some traction in that ground (heavy 9) but over the last 250m she was the strongest horse late and that really showed.”
🛫 In Flight in full flight gives Jay Ford his third winner for the day at Rosehill!@aus_turf_club @PrideRacing pic.twitter.com/bf9qq8vTzy
— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) June 15, 2024
Saturday’s win atoned for a defeat as favourite over the same track and distance a fortnight ago when a deluge forced officials to abandon the meeting shortly after the filly finished 6th of 12.
“It was a different kind of heavy ground today. She was able to get some footing,” Ford added.
With the BOBS bonus, IN FLIGHT collected a healthy $105,000 in prizemoney for winning the BM72 contest. To put that into context, THE INEVITABLE, who ran fourth in the $3 million Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap on the same day at Eagle Farm, earned $135,000.
A $220,000 yearling from the 2022 Adelaide Magic Millions Yearling Sale, IN FLIGHT is well on the way to recouping her price tag with $176,250 from just seven career starts, courtesy of three wins and a pair of seconds.
The daughter of FLYING ARTIE carries the brand of Goodwood Farm made familiar by the deeds of high-profile stablemate PRIVATE EYE.
Proven’s tally of winners for the season is now up to 45 while our yearly count stands at 25.
