The connections of the Group One sprinter Irish Fling are keeping a hopeful watch on Sydney’s weather.
The Telegraph Handicap winner was unsighted on a wet track in the Group 1 The Galaxy at Rosehill earlier this month and another start in Australia hangs in the balance.
“We’re really happy with her and she’s doing very well and she galloped this (Monday) morning for the TJ Smith, but we probably wouldn’t start if it was wet again,” co-trainer Guy Lowry said.
“That was the reason for her failure in the Galaxy – it’s really unfortunate and she didn’t go a yard in it.”
If Irish Fling was to bypass the $A2.5 million Group 1 TJ Smith Stakes at Randwick this weekend, she could remain in Sydney for the $A300,000 Group 2 Sapphire Stakes on April 19.
“We’ll have to have a think about that and whether she stays on or we bring her home,” Lowry said. “We’re happy with the mare and it’s just a matter of getting the right conditions for her.”
Ironically, it has been the hard tracks at home that have delayed the return to racing of the well-performed mare Pimms Time.
Last year’s Group 2 Travis Stakes winner has been off the scene since contesting all three legs of the Hawke’s Bay Triple Crown series in the spring.
“The tracks have been a bit firm for her and we’re looking at Wellington on Saturday,” Lowry said.
Depending on her progress and form, Pimms Time could be in line for a return trip to the Queensland winter carnival. Her first visit last year resulted in an unplaced run the Group 1 Doomben Cup.
“That could certainly be on the cards, but we need to get her going and see how she comes up first,” Lowry said.
– NZ Racing Desk
