Flight Stakes Preview

Royal Randwick’s Flight Stakes Preview

A Group 1 for the three-year-old fillies over 1600m. Track expected to be in the soft range.

Fireburn was good first and second up and comes here on a quick backup. She hit the line strongly last start behind Jacquinot and rises in distance which will be appreciated. Third up last time in she beat She’s Extreme before going on to win the Golden Slipper. Should find no trouble from the wide draw and will be storming home late. She’s the class horse in the race and is clearly the one to beat.

She’s Extreme had a good run finishing behind Fireburn and Jacquinot last week and has beaten Fireburn over the 1600m in the Champagne Stakes. Looks ready to give her all here and will be giving Fireburn something to chase down. The danger here but should run top 2 at worst.

Zougotcha has been racing well winning her last two and rises to 1600m for the first time. Draws to sit behind She’s Extreme and will be given every chance with James McDonald onboard but think she might just be a bit vulnerable late. Top 3 hope.

North Star Lass was ok behind Zougotcha in the Tea Rose Stakes but faded late and is hard to recommend at 1600m on that effort. Has performed on a soft track and does draw well to sit positively but prefer others here based on that last effort.

Wolverine was sensational second up in the Tea Rose Stakes. Although being beaten 2 lengths she was running through the line extremely well. Steps up to the mile for the first time now and draws well to sit more positive. If she can get out from that rails run and have a look at them late, I think she might be able to run into the placings.

Madame Pommery nearly got Zougotcha last time out and could be capable of running another big race here. Draws to sit behind She’s Extreme and should get a good run with cover. Had 2 placings on a soft track and looking at her last run the step up to the mile should benefit. Is capable of another big run and should be in the top five.

Pavitra won her maiden over 1800 and then dropped back to the 1500 to win second up at Kembla Grange. Takes a big jump in grade but does map well from a midfield draw to sit positively again but is one dimensional and one paced. Capable of running a sneaky race but can’t see her being a winning chance here.

Renaissance Woman was a winner last time in second up. First up this time in was a pass mark in the Tea Rose and will strip fitter for the run. Might find it difficult from barrier 3 and think others are better suited rising in trip than her. Needs to improve to be competitive here.

Byron Belle is yet to break her maiden and is hard to see her doing that here. Was ok third up beating four home over the 1400 at Randwick. Rises in distance and draws poorly here. Can’t see her being competitive at all in this grade.

Whisker To Whisker was okay in a 1500m maiden at Kembla Grange last time out. Draws tricky and takes a massive step up in class here and looks uncompetitive in this field.

On top hope is Fireburn with She’s Extreme and Zougotcha in for the minors. Will be taking Wolverine for fourth.