Sydney trip dependent on strong showing

A trip to Sydney and a potential shot at the inaugural running of The Eureka is at stake for star mare Wonderful To Fly when she lines up in tonight’s NRL @ Bridge Bar Pace (2130m) at Gloucester Park.

WONDERFUL TO FLY.
WONDERFUL TO FLY. Picture: Hamilton Content Creators

The Shane Young-trained mare will be having her first start since June 23 in the Free-For-All event for the mares and will have a tricky task overcoming the outside barrier in the field of seven.

While the Fly Like An Eagle mare will be looking to score the 28th win of her outstanding career tonight, Young said this run would have a big bearing on whether he would take her to Sydney.

"As long as she runs alright on Friday we will go to Sydney," Young told The Trots WA.

"She seems to be in a good space, and I think her work last weekend was up to what she's capable of.

"She hasn't had a hard campaign and she's a bit like a FIFO worker at the moment with a couple of weeks on and a couple off.

"I think the key to Friday will be what the two (Stormyskyes) wants to do early and if she tried to lead that would give me a better chance.

"Steno is an extremely good mare in her own right and will be hard to beat."

The Corey Peterson-trained Steno looms as the biggest threat to Wonderful To Fly tonight and has a distinct barrier draw advantage from three.

Despite the draw, Wonderful To Fly is a commanding $1.20 TABtouch favourite, ahead of Steno at $3.

If Wonderful To Fly is to gain a start in The Eureka, she's likely to have to rely on securing John Singleton's slot.

Singleton is set to use the $50,000 event as an opportunity to help shape his decision on which runner to pick for The Eureka.

If Wonderful To Fly missed out on a start in The Eureka, she's likely to line up in the $100,000 The Stockade on the same night.

Young said he was looking forward to the opportunity to travel his stable star.

"It's something I've been wanting to do because I've never travelled a horse before," he said.

"I'm a bit apprehensive about it because I hope she performs over there to the level I know she can.

"I know she will hold her own over there if she's at her best.

"Once she's in the process of getting there I'm sure I'll be fine.

"Right now, I'm just worrying about how she works here and getting her exactly right for the trip."

Wonderful To Fly makes her return to racing at 8.07 tonight.


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