Trainer Trevor Bailey is not ruling out a Sydney trip if talented sprinter Flying Minstrel brings his A-grade form to Eagle Farm on Wednesday.
Flying Minstrel was entered for three races this week but Bailey’s preference is to start the four-year-old in the Hidden Dragon @ Lyndhurst Handicap (1000m) at Eagle Farm.
The gelding was also entered for but did not accept in the Newmarket Handicap (1000m) at Ballina on Thursday and also holds an entry for a Benchmark 85 race at Doomben on Saturday.
“We’re trying to pick the weather with him and it looks like he’ll go around at Eagle Farm tomorrow,” Bailey said.
“I’d like a dry track for him and tomorrow looks a better chance …”
Flying Minstrel has won four of his seven starts and long-range plans for the son of Jet Spur include the Magic Millions Sprint at the Gold Coast in January.
Flying Minstrel mysteriously lost form last campaign, failing in the Magic Millions Three-Year-Old Stakes (1200m) at Wyong in December before finishing last at the Gold Coast on New Year’s Day.
Bailey blamed the heat for his poor Wyong showing and a wet track for his Gold Coast failure.
Since then Flying Minstrel has been gelded and Bailey is confident he’s back to his best form.
Flying Minstrel scored impressively in his comeback appearance at the Gold Coast on July 9 then came under the scrutiny of stewards following a fading 10th to Excellantes at Doomben the following week.
Bailey refused to blame the quick back-up for Flying Minstrel’s defeat and got him back on track with a record-breaking 1000-metre win at Ipswich on August 5.
“Tim Bell rode him when he was beaten at Doomben and stewards took exception to his ride that day,” Bailey said.
“It wasn’t too bad a run and he showed that when he came out and broke the class record at Ipswich last start.
“He just missed breaking Lynn’s Love’s long-standing track record at Ipswich.”
Bailey is not overly concerned with Flying Minstrel’s wide barrier, 10.
“It’s a bad alley but he’s got the speed to get across and lead them,” he said.
“We’re taking things day by day with him and long range the plan is the Magic Millions Sprint next year.
“I haven’t had a good look at the Sydney program yet but if his form is up to it he could go down for a race or two.”
AAP TURF
