After a few near-misses, Newcastle mare In Her Time and her trainer Ben Smith have their latest chance to snare a first Group One win in a star-studded Darley Classic at Flemington.
In Her Time has placed in three Group One sprints during 2017 including a close second in the Manikato Stakes at Moonee Valley at her most recent start.
The five-year-old mare, who has won four stakes races this year including the Premiere Stakes and Sydney Stakes to start the spring, is at $7.50 for Saturday’s Darley Classic.
It will be In Her Time’s first attempt racing on the straight 1200m course and Smith is sending her in without a jump-out to familiarise herself with the circuit.
“Talking to Corey, how adaptable she is he doesn’t see it as a problem,” Smith said.
“So we’ve just decided to turn up on race day and hopefully she handles it.
“I’ve told Corey what I need to do to get her right for the race and I took on his experience and we decided it was just best to keep her fresh and just keep her happy.”
In Her Time has been a victim of bad luck from wide draws in a couple of her Group One races in Queensland late last season, finishing second in the Stradbroke Handicap and third in the Tattersall’s Tiara.
Her opposition includes the best sprinters around in Australia with The Everest winner Redzel favourite at $4.20 ahead of Vega Magic at $4.80.
In Her Time ($7.50) is one of four other sprinters at single-figure odds and Smith believes luck in running will have a big bearing on the result.
“She tries so hard but just things haven’t gone her way,” Smith said.
“Hopefully she’ll stay out of trouble in a straight race.
“She’s a horse that definitely deserves a Group One win to her name.”
