Cindy Alderson is optimistic former Queenslander Chosen To Fly will get the distance of the Winter Championship Final after winning the second heat of the series at Flemington.
The grey, previously trained by Mick Mair, posted his second win in eight starts since joining the stable Cindy operates with her father Colon last spring when he took out Saturday’s 1400m event.
He won his first start with the stable at Flemington in August last year but had not previously raced beyond 1300 metres.
The Winter Championship Final is over 1600 metres at Flemington on July 7.
“We always thought 1400, even 1600 metres would suit him so we will keep pressing on to the final of this race,” Alderson said.
“We have got to give it ago.
“If he is not going to get a mile (1600m) he is going to be limited but I think he will do it.”
“He went into the race today a little bit short and hopefully he will improve.”
Chosen To Fly was a first-up fourth in the Listed Wangoom Handicap (1200m) at Warrnambool on May 2 but Dwayne Dunn was able to lead all the way on him on Saturday.
He scored by a half length from Population, who ran home strongly, and Adamantium, who was two lengths away third.
It was his seventh win 20 starts and took his earnings over $280,000.
