FLIGHT STAKES – WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
HISTORY: First run 1947 when won by Nizam’s Ring. Named after champion mare Flight, winner of two Cox Plates, Mackinnon Stakes, Champagne Stakes, Adrian Knox Stakes and two Craven Plates
NOTABLE WINNERS: Wenona Girl (1960), Cap d’Antibes (1974), Bounding Away (1986), Research (1988), Triscay (1990), Sunline (1998), Ha Ha (2001), Lotteria (2004), More Joyous (2009) and Streama (2011)
TALKING POINTS:
* The late TJ Smith is by far the most successful trainer with 12 winners
* Smith’s daughter Gai Waterhouse has won race seven times, most recently with More Joyous (2009). Waterhouse has two runners this year – Echo Gal and Muscovado
* Press Report one of two Group One rides on day for apprentice Winona Costin
PATTERN: Stablemates Muscovado and Echo Gal expected to try to dictate. First Seal slots in with cover while decisions to be made about Winx and Press Report from wide barriers. Victorian filly Thinking Of You came from midfield in Caulfield win
FANCIED RUNNERS: First Seal capitalised on right run to win Tea Rose Stakes. Speed map favours again. Winx raced outside leader in Tea Rose when outsprinted by winner. An obvious quinella.
EARLY BETTING: First Seal had support when markets first opened but Winx holds place as favourite. Thinking Of You only other runner under double figures
