3 minute read

Champion trainer Gai Waterhouse has been going through a lean time of late but Speak Fondly could give her a welcome change of luck in the group one Flight Stakes over 1600m this afternoon.

With just one winner from her last 25 runners on metropolitan tracks, Waterhouse is striking well below her long term average.

However the Flight Stakes is one race where Waterhouse has enjoyed considerable success, winning it six times to date, crack filly Moe Joyous the last in 2009.

This afternoon Waterhouse is very well represented with pre post favourite Speak Fondly, Kimberley Star, Flamboyant Lass and Sempre Libera engaged.

And Timeform weight adjusted ratings suggest a seventh Flight Stakes win courtesy Speak Fondly who comes into the race with impeccable form.

The lightly raced daughter of Norther Meteor has raced three times this campaign for two wins and a last start gallant second to the outstanding Exosphere in the G1 Golden Rose Stakes over 1400m.

Speak Fondly raced with the speed in the Golden Rose and battled away well over the concluding stages indicating the extra 200m against her own sex this afternoon should not be an issue.

The Godolphin galloper Pearls has been a rapid improver winning the G2 Tea Rose Stakes last time out at just her third race start after being narrowly beaten in a strong benchmark 70 handicap at Canterbury the run prior.

Even though she stepped up sharply in class last start, Pearls clearly appreciated the step up to 1400m and should have no trouble with the 1600m.

Kimberley Star has been a model of consistency in recent runs and although slightly below form last start behind Pearls, she can bounce back to her previous ratings level and prove hard to hold out.