A few days after coming close to winning his first Group One race, Newcastle trainer Ben Smith has turned his immediate focus to the midweek meeting at Canterbury.
In Her Time beat all but Godolphin colt Impending in Saturday’s Stradbroke Handicap in Brisbane and will line up for another Group One attempt in the Tattersall’s Tiara.
Stablemate Our Girl Hollie will be out to improve on her most recent start at Warwick Farm when she runs in Wednesday’s Pluck @ Vinery Maiden (1100m).
Although she finished fifth of seven at Warwick Farm on May 31, Our Girl Hollie was only a length from the winner Sharpness.
The three-year-old filly will again be ridden by Josh Adams who stamped his return to racing with victory aboard The Monstar in the Listed June Stakes on Saturday at Randwick.
Adams made his way back after several years on the outer following a disqualification for a drug offence and a lengthy rehabilitation.
“Josh has been doing a bit of riding for me of late,” Smith said.
“He rode this filly last time and it was a good effort.
“The 1200 metres might have been a bit far for her off a long break and I think she’ll be better suited back to 1100.
“It’s a small field and she should be able to roll forward even though she has drawn wide.
“She is a filly we have taken along slowly.
“She still hasn’t got her race smarts yet.”
Her year-older stablemate In Her Time has also been lightly raced and has come through the Stradbroke in good order ahead of her next assignment on Saturday week.
Josh Parr, who rode her to win the Group Two Millie Fox Stakes will be back aboard in the Tatt’s Tiara.
She was ridden by Dean Yendall at 53.5kg in the Stradbroke.
“Her Stradbroke weight was below what Josh can do comfortably but he will be back next start,” Smith said.
“She has come through Saturday’s race well. In fact it’s the best she’s pulled up.”
While many mares have been earmarked for stud this spring, In Her Time will be set for Melbourne spring racing.
“She doesn’t do so well in the paddock,” Smith said.
“She will only have three weeks off after the Tiara and we’ll get her ready for Melbourne.”
