In Her Time has already developed a liking for Doomben
Newcastle trainer Ben Smith has welcomed a change of venue for the Stradbroke Handicap with impressive mare In Her Time having already developed a liking for Doomben.
Racing Queensland confirmed on Monday Brisbane’s premier race day on June 10 would be at Doomben rather than Eagle Farm after widespread criticism of the track.
The switch eased any fears Smith had running In Her Time in the Stradbroke.
“Now they’ve moved to Doomben, it’s better for us,” Smith said.
Eagle Farm was classified heavy on Saturday for the Kingsford Smith Cup meeting despite a dry build-up, with many jockeys giving it the thumbs down.
In Her Time made her Queensland debut in the Doomben 10,000 on May 13, running fifth after being parked wide throughout.
“It was a very good run in the 10,000. She was three-four deep the whole way with no cover. If we can draw a good alley, and back to handicap conditions, I think she’ll be much better suited,” Smith said.
In Her Time, winner of the Group Two Breeders Classic (1200m) and Millie Fox Stakes (1300m) in February, was nominated for Saturday’s Octagonal Handicap at Rosehill as a back-up option.
“It was always the plan six months ago to go to the Stradbroke,” Smith said.
The Tattersall’s Tiara on June 24 will top off In Her Time’s campaign.
In Her Time was a relatively late bloomer after twice being diagnosed with heart issues, but fully fit she has built an impressive record of five wins from a dozen starts while banking $394,000 prize money.
“We just had to be patient,” Smith said.
“I didn’t get her until she was a really late two-year-old and she had cardiac arrhythmia twice.
“We got some tests run, gave her a good spell and since then she’s been brilliant.”
In Her Time stretched out on her home track on Saturday for an exhibition gallop with Smith describing her effort and times as “pretty slick”.
In Her Time is at $21 for the Stradbroke with the Kris Lees-trained Kingsford Smith Cup winner Clearly Innocent the $4 favourite with the next acceptance payment due on Wednesday.
